Survive This Winter by Living the Hygge Life

Did you know that VELUX started in Denmark?

And did you know that in Denmark, when winter rolls in and it's dark and cold outside, they embrace the hygge lifestyle inside?

The concept has gotten more popular in the States in the past few years, but just what exactly is hygge? And how can it help make the winter months more enjoyable?

What is Hygge?

Hygge, pronounced "hoo-ga," is a Danish concept that can't be translated into a single English word. But as a general definition, it encompasses the feeling of cozy contentment and well-being through enjoying the simple things in life.

So reading a book indoors on a cold, rainy Sunday or sipping a cup of hot cocoa on a snowy morning, that's hygge.

And according to Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, hygge is "a defining feature of [Danish] cultural identity and an integral part of the national DNA," which could explain why Denmark is one of the world's happiest countries, despite their infamously miserable winters.

Luckily, the rest of the world is catching on.

The Hygge Lifestyle

So, what does it mean to live a hygge life? Pull on your hyggebuksers (that's Danish for sweatpants or, more specifically, pants you'd never be caught dead wearing in public) and we'll tell ya!

• Candles are the most important part of creating a hyggelig (hygge-like) atmosphere. Danes burn a whopping 13 pounds of candle wax per capita per year - more than any other country in the world!
• While you've got the matches out, nothing's cozier than curling up by the fireplace for a warm night in.
• Having something soft to wrap around yourself is a hygge must. Throw blankets, chunky knit, weighted blankets, or heated throws - anything warm and snuggly is perfect.
• What you eat is also essential to creating cozy vibes, so focus on comfort and familiarity. Homemade sweets, comfort food, and hot drinks help round out the hygge feeling for the holidays.

Above all, hygge is about appreciating the simple things that bring joy to your life. So instead of complaining about the cold and the wet this winter, light some candles and settle in with a nice cup of tea and that book you've been meaning to read. Feeling social? Cook up a pot of warm, savory soup and invite some friends over for a board game night. However you hygge, enjoy it and the winter season!