- Piyumi Kapugeekiyana
Closing the year with hygge

Hygge (hue-guh): A Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment.
In essence, hygge is all about creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with the people you love.
For me, hygge can take many forms:
The scent of an Amber and Olibanum candle while I paint.
The simple pleasure of a frothy cup of cardamom tea
The silken softness of a slice of tres leches
The comfort of a feel-good story, written or read
While curling up under a soft blanket on a cold night
A meal that reminds me of home
The fullness of a hug
A heartfelt chat with a friend
The glow of a fire
The joy that comes from accepting yourself as you are
Watching children at play
The tenderness of a kind word spoken or received
A line of Scripture that illuminates a weary moment
Wrapping a gift chosen with love
Holding my mother's hand
Conversations in the car with my father
Trading chuckles for witticisms from my brother
Laughing with my husband at the silly antics of 'our' cat
Watching our Christmas tree, with its sparkling baubles and winking lights
Remembering the gift of a Saviour's birth,
While Joy to the world plays softly in the background.
2020 has not been easy.
Whatever 'hygge' means to you, dear reader, I hope you get to close this year with at least some of the things that make you feel warm and cared for.