GRATITUDE

grat·​i·​tude  - gra-tə-tud      A quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being

Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word that denotes a form of everyday togetherness; a way of living & being together with people in order to connect with them and do things together.  It embraces a feeling and also an ambiance of coziness and worth.  It gives a feeling of comfort, contentment and well-being through simple and everyday experiences

in other words

cozy
"snug as a bug"
warm
family
quietness
soothing
togetherness

a hygge home

candles
pleasant scents
quiet music
warm blanket
books
soft pillows
plush area rugs

FEELINGS

safe
content
"all is well with the world"
peaceful
snuggly
cozy
peaceful

SIMPLE PLEASURES

enjoying a home-cooked meal
sipping hot chocolate
savoring a piece of chocolate
taking a leisurely walk
reading a good book
cherishing solitude
taking a sweet nap

INCORPORATING HYGGE INTO your LIFE 

How does the feeling of hygge weave into your life?  How can you use the feeling of hygge to connect with others?  Can you have an impact on others by using hygge?  Hygge can show itself in many different ways. What brings a sense of hygge to one person might be different for another.  This is where you will need to discover what makes you feel content and peaceful and also how you can make others feel content and at peace when they are around you.

We are all busy with work schedules, social events, classes, meetings, sports, and so on.  The world of technology has also thrown us into a busier and distracted lifestyle as well.  So what do we need to do to create our own personal hygge space and pass it on to others?  Below are some ideas:

1.  Create your physical environment with cozy items.  For me that is candles, scents, afghans, pillows and soft colors.

2.  When others are over at your house, unplug the digital world and bring out the board games, sit around and talk, share a meal together. 

3. Do things together like  cook a home-cooked meal, bake cookies, craft, watch a movie, one-on-one Bible study.

hygge and our christian walk

I am a believer in Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross for me.  I try to live my life to reflect Christ's love and draw others to Him.  So in discovering the different facets of the word hygge, I had to ask myself, "How does this affect my daily walk with Christ and my beliefs?"  I don't want to be a part of something that does not reflect the Lord.  So I do believe that "hygge" can easily be incorporated into the Christian walk.

We have been called to give to others, help carry the burdens of others, love on others and be concerned about others.  So below are some ideas of how a believer can use "hygge" to impact others.

1. Create a home that is a place of peace and rest.  The  world we live in is fast-paced and competitive.  Sometimes you come home feeling all used up and beaten.  But in creating your home or apartment in the hygge style, you can offer your home as a place to come and rest . . . a refuge.  For example, I had dear friends over one evening after the husband had fought a year-long battle with cancer.  They were worn and weary.  My goal for that evening was solely to make them feel special and loved by making a homemade dinner, sipping coffee while eating dessert, going into the  living room where the fireplace was burning and sharing.  There was no fanfare, just a quiet evening together.

2.  Create an environment where people feel a kinship and place of belonging.  I've always had a policy that my kids could always invite friends over or if I was having a meal, another mouth at the table would always be welcomed.  Nothing makes a person feel apart of a family than when they arrive unexpectedly by invitation of another family member and they are immediately welcomed with open arms.  Being a part of a book club would be a great example where you would experience a sense of belonging with a common goal.  Also, a Bible study in your home is another great example.  It doesn't need to be structured or have a theme.  Just invite people from all walks and ages to join you in studying God's Word and praying together.  You never know if that single person invited needed this touch of acceptance and home.  

3.  Create an environment that follows Christ's example of hospitality and giving to others.  Did Christ not eat with sinners, attend weddings, enjoy hospitality of Mary and Martha, visit at the home of Zacchaeus?  Christ knew so well that giving Himself to these people and connecting with them was what He was all about.  His ultimate gift of hospitality was when He gave to each one of us the gift of grace and forgiveness by dying on the cross.

SO WHAT DOES YOUR JOURNAL PAGE SAY ABOUT "HYGGE?"

Write to me and share your thoughts on your take on hygge. Like I said on the homepage, this is just the "View from My Window."
I would love to hear your view.