I don’t consider myself a lifestyle or family blogger but because of how I write my blog in a way I am. I write about my family and the things we do and see around us. One of the biggest trends I see lately has been around forever but just making it to our little area of the world. Yes, we tend to get trends a bit later here in Southwest Michigan. I think the 2017 trend of hygge (pronounced HUE-gah) in the United States is finally making its way to the Midwest although I think it is something that we almost do naturally. Hygge is a Swedish term and the best way to describe it is making that which surrounds you the things you love and make you feel cozy and safe. Surrounding yourself with family, friends and aesthetics in your home that give you that inside warmth.
In Michigan we are entering our second week with wind chills below 0 and we have had snow every day since Christmas Eve. We are spending lots of times indoors but are still trying to get outdoors to enjoy the fun things to do in the cold – walking, snowshoeing, skiing, and skating are high on the list. Make sure to dress warmly with woolen caps, mittens, down coats, and heavy socks. But when we get home hot glasses of steaming real hot cocoa, a warm fire, and lots of soft blankets are a must.
Can food be hygge? I think so. The dishes that make you feel great memories from your childhood, or those special comfort foods that make you feel warm inside just thinking about them are perfect. Meatloaf with gravy and mashed potatoes. Homemade chicken pot pie. What foods brings out the great memories that you want to share with those around you? Over the last week I have made two loaves of homemade bread and two batches of pretzel bites. Those continue to make my house smell amazing and bring a warmth to the kitchen and our house.
Have a cozy dinner party with lots of candles. lots of laughter, and no phones. Yes, phones distract from the people and feelings we are trying to create.
Play a game with your family by candlelight. Let the kids take turns picking the game or make popcorn and put your warmest socks on and put your feet up next to the fire. Watch the logs burn. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?
So, have you been on the hygge trend or is it something you may adopt?
Photo from Thinkstock.com photo.
What's for Dinner Moms? 
It’s pretty much how we live our lives.
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Yes! I think it is funny that it is this HUGE thing.
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I know. In the library I found 4 new books on the subject. Crazy.
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Very well written
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Thank you so much!
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I love this! I may need to set it into progress!
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Feeling warm inside is tough for much of the US right now with this cold snap. When my daughter told me it was 120 degrees in Sydney yesterday I was almost jealous.
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120 in Sydney? Wow! I must be on the other side of the lake from you. I don’t know how much more of this cold I can take! I don’t want to leave the house… lol
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We only go outside when necessary and that is just to get in the car! Usually 2 weeks is all I can take. They are predicting 45-50 for here on Wednesday and Thursday. It is going to make a mess with the 2+ feet of snow we have that will melt.
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It sure will! We’re supposed to get to 38 this week but we only have an inch or so of snow. Thankfully!!
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Nearly twenty years ago, a Finnish family moved in across the street from us. We have great memories from the time we spent with them. They explained to us this idea of keeping the dark days cozy and warm, as it has been done in the Nordic countries for centuries. Though their nights are very long in the winter, they keep their spirits up, just as you describe, plus taking their “sauna.” Great traditions!
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How very awesome! I love hearing things like that. Ooo, a sauna….
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Interesting! I first heard the term from another friend and didnt know it was a trend! I think most people try to live with comfort and happiness. Nice post
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Thank you!
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It was about time 😉 By the way, ‘hygge’ is the same word with the same meaning in Norwegian and Danish too. It is a Scandinavian phenomena 🙂
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Very cool!
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