Happy Winter Break~
Hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”) is a Danish word that doesn’t have a direct English translation but means something akin to coziness and connection with others. As Meik Wiking (pronounced “Mike Viking”) says in The Little Book of Hygge, “Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things. It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home. A feeling that we are safe, that we are shielded from the world and allow ourselves to let our guard down” (vi).
Hygge is about quality time— either with a small group or by yourself— and taking a moment to slow down and savor the people and environment around you. Think of times when you felt the happiest and most connected to your loved ones. These experiences likely have hygge qualities to them— a feeling of warmth, hominess, and connection, perhaps alongside good food and/or warm beverages.
How does one create a sense of hygge?
In The Little Book of Hygge, Wiking outlines the key elements of hygge in his “Hygge Manifesto,” which we have paraphrased here:
- Atmosphere: think of low/warm lighting, candles, or golden hour light.
- Presence: turn those devices off and stay in the now.
- Pleasure: yummy treats like coffee/tea, cakes, pastries, cookies, etc.
- Equality: focus on shared tasks and conversation space– “we” over “me.”
- Gratitude: take time to recognize and savor the good happening right now.
- Harmony: no bragging or one-upping to impress people – be yourself; your loved ones already like you.
- Comfort: snuggle down into some blankets and put on some cozy socks or comfy pants.
- Truce: put aside conversations about divisive or heavy topics – these conversations are important, but it’s okay to pause for a bit and savor the moment.
- Togetherness: focus on building relationships and reminiscing about other good times you’ve had together.
- Shelter: These are your people. You are safe and secure with them.
And the best part? You don’t need to spend a lot of money and energy to create hygge – in fact, hygge is less about tangible things and spending money and more about quality time. Wrap yourself up in that old blanket that makes you feel so cozy and comforted, light some candles, and curl up with a good book and a warm drink.
We continue to focus on the IB Learner Profile Balanced.
“We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.” IBO
Living a well-balanced life is important to everyone's health.
Click here for more info on: IB PYP
Catch your child being a "balanced" and tweet it out @laspositaslions or send them for me to share.
Have a "hygge" winter break~
Las Positas Elementary School
Email: maguilera@lahabraschools.org
Website: https://www.lahabraschools.org/laspositas
Location: 1400 Schoolwood Drive, La Habra, CA, USA
Phone: 562.690.2356
Twitter: @laspositaslions
