We love to read books, and to talk about books. Check out our entire series here!

This week I read a really fun book: The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well by Meik Wiking

The Little Book of Hygge “The Danish word hygge is one of those beautiful words that doesn’t directly translate into English, but it more or less means comfort, warmth or togetherness. Hygge is the feeling you get when you are cuddled up on a sofa with a loved one, in warm knitted socks, in front of the fire, when it is dark, cold and stormy outside. It that feeling when you are sharing good, comfort food with your closest friends, by candle light and exchanging easy conversation. It is those cold, crisp blue sky mornings when the light through your window is just right. Denmark is the happiest nation in the world and Meik puts this largely down to them living the hygge way. They focus on the small things that really matter, spend more quality time with friends and family and enjoy the good things in life. The Little Book of Hygge will give you practical steps and tips to become more hygge: how to pick the right lighting, organise a dinner party and even how to dress hygge, all backed up by Meik’s years of research at the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen. This year live more like a Dane, embrace hygge and become happier.”

I listened to this book with an audiobook from Overdrive, and that was really a great way to do it! This was one of my first exposures to this word, and hearing it in the author’s Danish accent definitely made me understand everything better.

In Minnesota, we have really cold winters and the idea of embracing hygge is very appealing. I love to go outside and do stuff in the snow – shoveling, hiking, making snow people. But I love coming back inside and drinking hot chocolate (with Fluff!), and snuggled into my couch surrounded by library books! So I was all ready to learn about hygge.

You might not want to listen to it as you are out shopping – as I did. I ended up coming home with a bunch of pillar candles (candles are very important in hygge) and a few other comforts. I bought an aromatherapy oil diffuser I’ve had my eye on for a while; and I really do love having the peppermint smell all through the house.  This book also pushed me to get more pictures put up on my walls, which is a good thing. And my bed is now so comfy and cozy, with extra pillows and soft blankets, that I’m struggling to get the motivation to leave it in the mornings. (I’m not counting that as a problem, you understand!)

If you want to explore this trend that is new to the US, but part of everyday life in the Scandinavian countries, I suggest you check out this book!

Oh – and you can increase the hygge of your office by bringing in cake! If any CMLE members out there want to bring cake by the Headquarters – know that we are open to this idea!! We can all have a slice, sip some tea/coffee, and chat about libraries.

Ahhhh….hygge. I feel cozier and happier already.