The idea of Hygge has become incredibly trendy the past few years. Starting in November, everyone wants the cozy moments immortalized on their favorite influencers Pinterest pages, the a-frame cabins in the woods and the wool clad feet curled up next to a steaming cup of coffee.
I want that to.
I live in a state where winter can last from October through April. And after the sugar filled high of the holidays, there isn't a whole lot to look forward to.
I have some Nordic ancestry so this winter I decided to really dig into what it meant to practice hygge. Beyond the trendy faux fur throws you can find at Target, or the mugs with the kitschy phrases. I didn't want a retailer's version of hygge. I really wanted to know what it meant to embrace and lean into the winter months. After all, no amount of wishful thinking was going to melt the snow any faster or cause the sun to stay up any longer.
I know. I've tried.
Jamie Erickson, in her book Holy Hygge, says that hygge is a way to "build community, to invite closeness, to create well-being, and to celebrate the everyday."
So, what does that look like? Practically I mean? The idea is so countercultural. We celebrate independence; a person's ability to achieve life on their own. We've learned how to rely on our own strengths instead of sharing the burden with others and we've unlearned the life-giving habit of inviting others into our homes and our lives.
And yet, despite our proficiency at living on our own terms, we crave a sense of community. We were created for community so it would make sense we would long for it with intensity. No amount of brushing it aside softens the desire to be known and to know others in return.
But building community and practicing hospitality can be overwhelming especially when they are skills we don't use frequently. They may be overwhelming, but they don't need to be complicated. After all, the important thing about inviting someone into your home isn't what your home looks like, it's simply about the invitation.
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"...The important thing about inviting someone into your home isn't what your home looks like, it's simply about the invitation." -Emily
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Here are three of my favorite and simple ways to host someone in my home.
1. Host a potluck brunch
Who says you have to provide all the food? For your next gathering, invite all your closest friends and ask each of them to bring their favorite brunch food. All you need to do is provide plates and napkins and maybe a mimosa.
2. Crock-Pot Dinner
Nothing is easier than a crock-pot meal. Put it in the crock pot in the morning and don't give it a second thought. Spend the rest of you day relaxing and focusing on your tablescape. Having a nice, simple table set is a great way to say "welcome" as people enter your home. I like to use a few candle sticks and cloth napkins. Just the two items elevate a table easily and quickly. Bonus! Invite someone you don't know well to share your crock pot meal. Hygge is practiced with both friends and strangers.
3. Tea
I love tea. I keep easy to make recipes on hand like simple scones, or even a box muffin, to whip up when I feel like hosting a few friends (or those I'm hoping to call friends) for tea. You can host this in the morning or in the afternoon (like the Europeans). Just set out a few "extras" on your counter your guests can add to their tea like honey and milk. I also like to include a small bowl of chocolates because who doesn't love a good chocolate :)
So, this month, try a new way of inviting people into your home. Even if it's for something as simple as a glass of wine after kids go to bed. The important thing isn't how elaborate your home or the occasion is but just the act of inviting someone to share life with you.
