Absolute gem of a book. Infinitely more practical and helpful than LBoH. This is not a burdensome “to-do” list but rather “a catalog, or menu, for inspiration” (267). And that it surely is. I wish you could feel the difference of my home in just a few short weeks taking the information of this book to heart. I de-cluttered ruthlessly. Painted walls. Declutterred some more. Put up peel and stick tile in the bathroom. Dusted and vacuumed some more. And my heart exploded at the thrill of comfort that was forming in my crammed and sardine-packed abode. But hygge life is more than just decluttering and cleaning, it’s about enjoying. “Marie Kondo, you know what would spark joy? Buying less crap (121). And with 5 kids I feel this in my bones. “Hygge is truly all about—living the good life on a tight budget. It’s the enjoyment of simple pleasures. It’s the art of creating a nice, warm, comforting atmosphere. I think one of the best things we can give to our children is an understanding of where we can find joy and well-being without spending money” (128-29).
After reading this book, I could sum hygge up in one word—contentment. “Happiness does not have to come with a price tag” (142).
“[Hygge] is finding comfort in our shelter when the storm is raging, or when winter has come” (36).
“[Hygge] is not about having it all. It is about enjoying what you have and enjoying it with the people in your life. It is not about what you have but the atmosphere you create. It’s a state of mind. It’s what makes a place feel like home” (130).
“Hygge is about enjoying the process. About taking things slowly. And looking forward to the delicious results you will enjoy tucked up at home on a quiet wintry evening. It’s about enriching this time at home by knowing that you’ve got plenty of delights in store, ready for the perfect hygge moment. It’s about making your nights in special, and never feeling that you are missing out” (71).
“Hygge is about being frugal – about old virtues. It is about following the tradition of earlier generations, the generations that didn’t throw away things because they were broken, but learned how to fix them. It is about repairing our clothes rather than buying new ones. It is about using the food that we have in our fridge and not letting it go to waste” (130).
Connection. Togetherness. Enjoyment. All improve our well-belling, and this isn’t secular idea but exactly how the Lord designed us to be!! “The hygge home is not an island; it is a place that knows it is part of a wider community, and it offers support and warmth to those in need” (182).
I recommend this book if you need a book to cozy up to the fire with a cup of coffee with. If you are curious how to make your house a home, if you are overstimulated and overwhelmed by all of the stuff in your house desperate for another way—read this book to get the why and how behind taking a step toward the hygge life.
Cheers.