Continued...
- Hold hands and sing around the tree. I love this next hygge tradition Alexander told me about. To me, it is very reminiscent of the Whos in Whoville! She says this, “It’s very “hyggelige” to light the candles on the Christmas tree (they have candles on their trees!) and VERY Danish. Then we all dance around the Christmas tree holding hands and singing Christmas songs together before opening presents. Kids absolutely love this even though they have to wait for their gifts.”
- Bake cookies and play lots of games. Being present and enjoying time together is what hygge is all about. Alexander tells me, “They [Danes] play a lot of games in general with the family when they are all together at the holidays. Playing games is a great way to be present together in the moment. They bake a lot of special cookies together. All the kids are involved in this. Again, team effort is key in hygge at Christmas. Everyone is aware that they help out and this makes for a nice atmosphere.”
- Make ornaments together. This is a tradition my family has upheld here in the U.S. for several years, and I’m happy to see it’s rather hyggelige! We create salt dough ornaments every year and hang some on our tree and gift a few to family members. The kids are involved from making the dough to hand-painting the final ornament. Making ornaments together is a wonderful hyggelige tradition that gets everyone off their devices and together in one room.
In terms of what is NOT hygge, Alexander says to avoid talking politics, complaining, bragging too much, talking badly about others and being negative in general, and having too much electronics. Instead, talk about uplifting memories, sing, be part of a team (what can I do to help?), put phones away as much as possible, be present with those you love, and be thankful for them. Take the hygge oath at the beginning of the holiday season to set the goal for your family.
“The key is drama-free togetherness and appreciating the simple,” notes Alexander. I hope you have a hygglige holiday season!
Rebecca Eanes is the bestselling author of multiple books including Positive Parenting: An Essential Guide, The Positive Parenting Workbook, and The Gift of a Happy Mother. She is the grateful mom of two boys.
