by Amanda Henderson • www . cultivatecreate . net
Cozy For Christmas : What Southerners Can Learn from
Scandinavian Hygge
If there is one word that I ’ d like my Christmas to be characterized by this year , it ’ s the word cozy . Why cozy , you ask ? For all that the word implies ; intimate , comfortable , relaxing , warm . If the world outside of my doors is chaotic , frantic , and unfriendly , then maybe within the walls of my home I can create a space of cheerfulness , rest , and amiability . A haven , if you will . One that creates space in our hearts and heads for what is truly important and gives us the opportunity to reflect on the reason for the season , not merely rush through it .
The Danes have a word , hygge , that doesn ’ t have a literal translation into the English language . Hygge ( pronounced HOO-GAH ) can most closely be translated cozy . The definition of hygge says it ’ s “ a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or wellbeing .” Louisa Thomsen Brits , the author of
“ The Book of Hygge : The Danish Art of Contentment , Comfort , and Connection ,” calls it “ a practical way of creating sanctuary in the middle of very real life .”
50 SOUTHERN HOLIDAY LIFE 2020