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As I am writing this article, it is the day after the worst snowstorm that I can remember for the past 10 years. The kids’ school and kindergarten are closed, I am working from home and my wife has taken the day off because it is impossible for her to reach her workplace. Outside, the snow lies in high dunes, the driveway is no way near cleared and it is cold as hell.
And I love it!
And it could not have come at a better time – December 1st, ‘Tis the season, Jingle Bells, Let it snow; Christmas time has become one of my favorite periods of the year. It is the time for Gløgg (Glühwine or Mulled wine), Æbleskiver, movies, books, fireplaces, woolen slippers, thick knits, and brown drinks.
In Danish, HYGGE.
In Denmark we have the word – “hygge”. It is one of those words that does not exist fully in other languages (except Norwegian I think, where the word also originates from) and therefore is almost impossible to translate – it is one word, but describes a feeling, a state of mind, a setting, a mood.
So what is hygge exactly? Even though the word does not translate so well into English or any other language, we all feel it, but it is also very subjective when we get the feeling. I feel hygge today while working from home with my Moka Pot besides me, I feel it when I am bundled up with a good book, taking a walk, being with friends – feeling cozy is probably a good term.
But it can also be when I stand in the hectic streets of Rome with a glass of wine in my hand and the scooter blasting past me almost knocking me over. I think what I am trying to say is when I am at the utmost relaxed, calm and at ease with myself. When I feel safe, happy, comfortable.
It is the best feeling in the world. And now that I think about it, there is almost always some sort of libation involved; that’s it, I’m pouring myself a drink.
Cheers, and Merry Christmas all – I hope it will be full of “Hygge”
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