Stave off the winter blues: Embrace Hygge this January!

“Mu-uum!’ My daughter yelled. ‘I don’t feel very well…’

The school term had only just ended and, as I was beginning to turn my attention to getting those last little bits ready for the big day, bam!

My youngest fell ill with a tummy bug.

I have to admit to being a little bit smug early on that first day of the holiday. There had been so much sickness going around at the end of the term but somehow, miraculously, my family and I had managed to dodge it.

Oh how wrong I was!

Sadly, it meant that we couldn’t do the activities that I’d planned for us to enjoy together as a family, to help us all get into the Christmas spirit after a long 8 week ½ term.

Thankfully though, the bug didn’t last too long and my 5 year old was as right as rain by the time Father Christmas called.

Bah-humbug

Despite not having the start to the festivities I’d hoped for, we still managed to get into the swing of things.

Now, I’d read about this elusive concept of ‘hygge’ in the past but hadn’t really appreciated it before.

Usually we host Christmas and have various family members to stay with us but this year, it was just the four of us. As I reflect back over the festive period, I’ve loved spending time with my husband and children.

What I’ve loved most about the last two weeks has been the sense of togetherness that we’ve created.

We’ve spent quality time with friends, built dens, played games and snuggled up on the sofa under blankets to watch movies. We’ve prepared, cooked and shared food, laughed together and relaxed in one another’s company.

The word hygge (pronounced ‘hoo-ga’) has its roots in the Middle Ages, where a similar Old Norse word meant “protected from the outside world.” It’s exactly how I’ve felt over the festive period and I’ve relished in the feeling!

Hygge however, is more than just a word; it's a lifestyle. It encapsulates the Danish philosophy of finding joy in the simple pleasures of our daily lives, creating a warm atmosphere, for calmness, relaxation, and cosiness.

It’s about taking time away from the daily rush to be together with people you care about - or even by yourself- to relax and enjoy life’s quieter pleasures.

So how can we put Hygge into practice?

Hygge is about being present and savouring the moment. We can do this in any number of ways from taking the time to be still and sit quietly to meditating.

We can also use our crochet in a mindful way too. By focusing on the rhythm of the stitches, the texture of the yarn and the gradual formation of your project, you can allow yourself to become fully absorbed in the process, letting go of external pressures and relishing the simplicity of your stitches.

As crochet enthusiasts, we are in the perfect position to apply the principles of Hygge to transform our creative space into a peaceful haven where we can work our magic and turn yarn into cosy and warm accessories.

Now that the New Year has begun, the return to work and ‘real-life’ looms large. I have a real urge to avoid that completely and stay cocooned within our current routine instead. We live in such a fast-paced world these days that it’s easy to let those ‘January Blues’ get us down.

Finding moments of peace, tranquillity and warmth is more crucial than ever.

Create your own Hygge crafting space

By introducing soft blankets, squishy cushions, and ambient lighting to set the Hygge tone, we can transform any corner into a sanctuary of warmth. Anyone of any age can do this. Encourage your children to make a den, for example, or consider adding candles and fairy lights to relax your workspace. The goal is to create a space where you can immerse yourself in creativity whilst also feeling embraced by the warmth of your surroundings as you crochet.

Which yarns give that Hygge feel?

The foundation of Hygge lies more in the tactile and sensory experience. You can choose yarns that are not only visually appealing but also soft to the touch, so that you can experience the pleasure of working with materials that bring a sense of comfort, as well as producing a finished piece that will feel cosy and warm. Natural fibres, like wools or alpaca, are perfect to elevate the cosiness level of your projects.

Beyond the blog: Infusing Hygge into your daily life…

I hope my post inspires you to transform your creative space into your own calming corner, where you can have your cosy project at hand to escape, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day, and stitch yourself calm.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the concept of Hygge, and if it’s something you already embrace?

Thanks for reading,

Jen

x

What the heck is ‘hygge’?