Hygge And Beyond: Scandinavian Coziness Rituals You Might Not Have Heard Of

Heard of Hygge? What you might not know is that there are other Scandinavian lifestyle and philosophy concepts that all hold a similar goal of promoting wellbeing, especially during the colder months.

Here’s a breakdown of three cozy concepts from the Nordics, and the secrets to incorporating them into your own home.

FIRST RITUAL

Hygge

You might already be familiar with the Danish concept of Hygge (pronounced hue-guh), which promotes self-care through staying indoors with copious cozy blankets, candles, and nourishing warm meals.

It roughly translates to ‘cozy’, and manages to be a very tangible concept, which does not really require tangible things to be felt.

For example, there are no specific foods, or items that define the term, because it is all about being present, creating a comforting atmosphere around you, and learning what makes you feel good!

The Little Hygge Reading List

The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking
American Cozy: Hygge-Inspired Ways to Create Comfort & Happiness – Stephanie Pedersen
Time To Hygge: A Joy & Happiness Coloring Book – Jen Racine

SECOND RITUAL

Koselig

This Norwegian word doesn’t translate super smoothly, but if you’re thinking that it’s Norway’s version of Hygge, well, you’re pretty much correct.

Except, where Hygge calls for a more solitary lifestyle of evenings spent at home relaxing under a mountain of blankets, Koselig calls for a more social and adventurous take on the darker months.

The idea is to beat loneliness and winter blues by leaning into the winter, and embracing the therapeutic and bonding experiences that can come with being out in nature together.

Think cozy evenings spent in a log cabin with friends and a fire pit, packing a lunch and going hiking in the fall, and getting out of the city during the winter for a weekend mountain break with your family.

THIRD RITUAL

Lagom

Lagom (pronounced lahr-gom) is used in daily speech in Sweden and roughly translates to “not too much, and not too little”, but the word has also become synonymous with the art of balanced living.

Basically, Lagom sees the benefits of things in moderation, but with a twist that focuses on productivity and mental wellbeing.

One of the best examples of this is taking only what you need in life – whether it be your working hours, how many cookies you take at once, or the amount of milk in your coffee.

Having said that, there is also something very cozy about being Lagom. Swedes practically make coffee a verb, and the key to bringing the Lagom philosophy into your life might just be to never feel guilty about taking a cosy coffee break with friends or colleagues!

The Little Lagom Reading List

Lagom: The Swedish Art of Balanced Living – Linnea Dunne
Lagom: Not Too Little, Not Too Much – Niki Brantmark
The Little Book of Fika: The Uplifting Daily Ritual of the Swedish Coffee Break – Lynda Balsely

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