Coziness permeates my life, it’s actually my lifestyle. I recently learned about the Scandinavian term hygge (pronounced hoo ga).  The simplest way to define hygge is what we call cozy in English. I was thrilled to learn that in Scandinavian countries this is a vibe or feeling that all aspire to create and live in their daily lives. It is even deeper than that as its core meaning is to turn mundane tasks into blissful experiences – rejoicing in simplicity. 

I believe that if everyone adopted a hygge lifestyle the health benefits would be astounding. When coziness gets woven into all parts of your life, everything gets a bit lighter, easier, softer, more comfortable, and maybe even more beautiful. 

The Danes entire culture is based on hygge. They say it is about finding joy in the simple things in life. It could be as simple as having a cup of tea while watching the sun rise, reading a book by the fire, listening to the birds sing while writing in a journal or having a special meal with family and friends. 

I like to create cozy vibes with cooking bliss. Cooking dinner is a sacred ritual for me. I light candles, put on my favorite apron, play my Medieval Vibes playlist on Spotify, and pour a glass of wine, make a cup of tea or make my recent favorite – a mix of lilikoi juice, coconut water and Pellegrino on the rocks.  I also love to make the table setting beautiful with beeswax candles,  fresh flowers or herbs from the garden, and pretty cloth napkins. All meals start with a prayer of gratitude: We thank all of the people, plants and animals who brought us this food, please let it nourish our body, so be it.

As a child my mother made our home so cozy during the Christmas season. We would all decorate the tree together, a wreath went on the front door and lights went around all of the windows. On our dining room table she spread out all kinds of sweet treats and the obligatory bowl of mixed nuts with the nutcracker next to it. Stockings were hung up by the fireplace.  During the whole month of December my brother and I would enjoy hot cocoa and Christmas cartoons in our pine scented family room, basking in the glow of the tree lights. 

How can you make one mundane task a cozy experience? I’d love to hear your stories. Wishing you a safe, healthy, beautiful and cozy holiday season. Blessings, Zoe 

P.S. If you’d like help creating a healthy, cozy, beautiful home sanctuary, click here to schedule a free 20 minute initial consultation. 

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