The Simplistic Spirit of Hygge, Tea, and Social Moments

By Erika Robertson

Have you heard of hygge? If you haven’t, you’re about to discover the fascinating hygge lifestyle concept that you’ll be itching to cultivate into your everyday routine — especially in the winter. 

Imagine cradling a warm cup of tea in your hands as you nestle yourself by a roaring fire. You’re surrounded by loved ones in a comfortable and cozy room. Snow falls gracefully outside the window and you breathe in the feeling of peace and contentment. 

This is winter-time perfection — and this is just a snippet of what hygge is all about. 

In this post, you’ll learn where hygge came from, what hygge is, and how you can easily add a little of that hygge mindset to tea time, family time, and every time of year. 

Where Does the Hygge Lifestyle Come From?

Pronounced “HOO-guh”, hygge is a Scandinavian word that is tied to a popular cultural and lifestyle concept. There is no perfect English word to describe hygge. The translation loosely means “comfort” or “coziness”. The deeper meaning expands far beyond these simple words. 

Hygge is about harnessing positive energy and comfort in your own home. This includes living in the present moment and appreciating small gestures — like delighting in making a simple pot of tea — to create an intimate space for yourself and those you share it with.

The modern meaning of hygge can be traced back to the 1800s. A similar and older definition can be traced back to the Middle Ages. The Old Norse translation means “protected from the outside world.” 

Contrary to popular mainstream trends and advertisements, hygge isn’t about isolation. It’s probably less about sitting at home in a comfy sweater with your cat and a book and more about connection. So, what exactly is hygge?

What is Hygge?

In the hygge lifestyle, there is a feeling of casual contentment, well-being, and a sense of togetherness and warmth — your home becomes your temple. Hygge is linked to certain activities or environments that embody a cozy or relaxed kind of atmosphere. 

Hygge can include activities like lighting candles, enjoying good food and drinks like tea and snacks, or spending time with loved ones. It’s about embracing simple pleasures and being present in the moment.

It’s particularly experienced during the colder months in Denmark where people spend a lot of time indoors with each other. Fostering a sense of connection with people is a huge part of the hygge lifestyle. So, it ties in well with the holiday season and the idea of togetherness spent indoors.

Togetherness doesn’t mean you have to pull out all the bells and whistles and throw an extravagant tea party. It’s not about impressing everyone and going out of your way to create something unique — it’s more about embracing the ordinary. 

Hygge is about capturing a feeling of contentment and peace within simplicity. This might mean the more mundane the happenings, the better.

The 10 Principles of Hygge

Meik Wiking is the author of “The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well.” It’s probably safe to say that the Danish people are doing something right: They are, after all, some of the happiest people — if not, the happiest — on the planet. 

It’s almost a character trait of our society to be stressed out and worried. We plan out every moment of our days with crammed recovery routines to overcome our workaholic work schedules. 

We even worry about not getting enough sunshine that will help fight our Seasonal Affective Disorder — better known as SAD. By the way, we have a wintertime tea recipe to help combat the winter blues. 

We can equate happiness to sunshine hours all we want. But did you know the Danish experience zero-degree temperatures and only four short hours of sunshine in the winter? 

Even with a lack of sun and warm outdoor activities, they are still the happiest people on the planet! How? — It might be because of their hygge lifestyle.

In his book, Meik shares 10 principles for living a fulfilling Hygge life which is part of the Hygge Manifesto: 

Atmosphere

Presence

Pleasure

Equality

Gratitude

Harmony

Comfort

Truce

Togetherness

Shelter

During colder months, the Danish spend more time at home. They consciously create a comfortable sanctuary where they can recharge, find peace, and grow.

In our work-obsessed society, many of us try to escape our homes and spend as much time “doing things outside” as possible. When you practice hygge, your home becomes your place of contentment and happiness — you enjoy spending time at home surrounded by your family as you take in every small simple pleasure. 

It’s wonderful and may be one of the major keys to lifelong contentment and happiness.

What does Hygge Look like in Practice?

When we see “hygge” in advertisements, we envision a space adorned with everything holiday and winter-time. Although the hygge lifestyle is highlighted most in the winter months, hygge is a year-round practice. It can be a picnic at the park in the summer sun. It can also be found in a shared meal with friends or while playing board games with your kids. 

There is no one way to practice hygge. You simply have to make an effort to enjoy the simple — almost mundane — pleasures of life. The Danish understand that it’s these little moments that make life so special. 

The winter gives them a greater opportunity to take their time and slow down and hygge emerges. There is a focus on the equality and well-being of everyone, regardless of status or rank. You are not likely to engage in your typical heated family arguments during hygge. In a hygge space, everyone comes together as equals to harness positive and harmonious energy — it’s a space where you leave your ego at the door. 

What are Some Hygge Elements?

Light Candles

Candlelight is soft and creates a warm and inviting environment. You can amp up the cozy atmosphere with real candles, electric flickering candles, or dim string lights. Fairy lights that twinkle and sparkle are also a nice touch. 

Manifest Comfortable Spaces

A comfortable home can be one of the main elements, but hygge doesn’t always have to take place indoors. If you live in sunny Florida or California, you may find hygge while on a walk through the park with your friend clasping a thermos full of hot tea. 

Share Meals, Drinks, and Tea

Giving yourself permission to take care of yourself and recharge can be an aspect of hygge — but the hygge lifestyle isn’t always about isolating yourself from the world. It’s almost difficult to experience true hygge without community and connection. 

Share drinks and food with family and friends — we are fans of having tea and scones with loved ones. 

Unplug From Your Electronics

Try your best to disconnect from technology. Instead, be in the present moment within your space. Pay special attention to the items and environment around you — from the plush feel of the pillow behind your back to the warmth of good company. Read a book, enjoy quiet time, or put a puzzle together.

Embrace Simple Pleasures

Find satisfaction and joy in simple everyday activities that you normally wouldn’t think twice about. Consciously make your tea and pay attention to every nuance — from pouring the fresh water into your kettle to finishing the last sip. Bake some cookies and pay special attention to the feel of the dough and the smells wafting from the oven. 

Connect with Nature

If you can, spend time outside in nature. Every season has its unique beautiful characteristics. Sit in your backyard and look at it with fresh eyes. Find something new as you take another walk around your neighborhood block. Appreciate the air, the rustle of the branches, and the color of the sky.

Cherish Quality Time

Spend quality time with your loved ones and build deep and meaningful connections. Listen more than you talk and take in their stories and experiences with empathy and understanding. Be present with them, embrace who they are, and cherish your shared experiences — old and new. 

Discover Hygge at Teabloom

Hygge and tea time have so many things in common — don’t you think? You can cultivate the act of being present, and experience peace, harmony, togetherness, and so much with a pot of tea — tea can help create the hygge lifestyle!

Let Teabloom be your guiding star when it comes to all things tea. They create their teaware with a dash of wellness and health at the forefront of their minds. 

Since the start, Teabloom has been on a mission to clean up the tea industry one borosilicate glass teacup at a time. Their lead-free teaware is crafted by some of the world’s most talented glass artists. You can enjoy every sip of tea with complete peace of mind. 

Create a new tea routine and find your hygge lifestyle with artistic pieces from Teabloom. 

We hope you embrace all things hygge and tea, this year!

www.Teabloom.com