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.