We are almost a week
into August so perhaps this is a little late, maybe July would have been a
better time for this but we still have a good three weeks of summer left before
the days turn colder, shorter and school is back in session. So here is how to
have a hyggelig summer. Unless you’re coming to this Summer 2020 or beyond. Of
course, this is an instance in which the English understanding of Hygge,
cosiness, makes it sound strange. Cosiness is not really a word we associate
with summer, but remember, Hygge is not cosiness, it is more than that.
1.
Candles and fireplaces become new-mown grass,
sun and saltwater.
Summer doesn’t mean you have to turn down the hygge, it
means a different kind of hygge. It involves making use of the sun, warmth and
nature. The two main elements are easy,
togetherness and great food
2.
Orchards
May sound strange
but picking fruit in an orchard is a very hyggelig thing to do. Picking apples,
plums or any fruit with friends can be great fun and some places even give you
the opportunity to make your own cider or jam. There are apparently many ‘pick
your own’ farms across the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. If you are
from none of these countries there may still be these places, I’m just talking
about ones mentioned in the ‘Little Book of Hygge’
3.
Barbeque
Everyone loves a barbeque, even if it does
have a reputation for bringing rain. This is a very easy way to brig friends
and family together. People often get stuck into to helping with a barbeque and
while you’re waiting for it to do its thing, garden games are great fun. If you
have a small garden, set up a board game.
4. Community Garden
I confess that this
means nothing to me. Gardening is not my thing and I don’t really see the
appeal of a community garden but that is just me. If there’s not one around,
you can start one up. It is a way of bringing a little joy and community spirit
into towns and cities. It has become fairly popular so do a little research and
stretch your green fingers
5.
Picnics
Picnics are great
and, weather permitting, are something not restricted to the summer. We think
picnics in summer simply because it’s usually the time the weather is most
likely to be on our side. A way to probably make it a little different is to
take your basket to the beach. Either with a group, your family or just one
person, it’s a pleasant day out which takes very little effort.
6.
Cycling*
It’s clean, fun and
good for you. Cycle around. Around your city, town, village, park, anywhere and
everywhere. A cargo bike is a good thing to have for children and pets, but
just cycling with another person is a good way to get a little summer hygge.
If you don’t have a bike, many places, especially specifically good for
cycling, hire them out.
If none of these are appealing, buy some cider and invite
your friends over for a break and a
chat. Just be together and have a hyggelig summer.
*A post on cycling/ bikes and their relationship to hygge is
in the works
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated in any way with The Insitute of Happiness, Copenhagen or it's employees, Meik Wiking, The Times, Penguin Books or Printer Trento. Any misinformation or opinions posted on this site are those of the author only. Copyright infringement of any kind is unintended.
