What the Scandinavian concept of hygge can teach Americans about comfort and happiness

Summary

As the holiday season ends and frigid temperatures settle in, the concept of hygge, a Scandinavian tradition focused on warmth, comfort, and togetherness, has gained popularity in the U.S. Originating in Denmark, hygge promotes a simple, balanced life centered around pleasant moments and cozy environments. In the U.S., it’s embraced as a way to find peace amid the busy pace of modern life, though challenges exist due to differences in social welfare. Hygge is about presence and contentment, highlighted by simple elements like candles, cozy spaces, and shared experiences, offering a much-needed antidote to stress.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hygge is a Scandinavian concept of comfort, warmth, and togetherness that has become popular in the U.S. in recent years.
• 😀 The Nordic Market in Minneapolis embraces hygge by offering cozy products like blankets, socks, and candles to create a warm environment.
• 😀 The concept of hygge is not just about material items but about creating pleasant togetherness and contentment.
• 😀 Hygge became widely known in the U.K. around 2015 during debates over Brexit and later exploded in the U.S. during Donald Trump's first election.
• 😀 Hygge encourages people to step back from social media and focus on true engagement with those around them, rather than staging moments.
• 😀 Professor Anderson, a Danish expert on Scandinavian studies, explains hygge as an antidote to modern pressures and a way to cultivate happiness and balance.
• 😀 In Denmark, hygge became a cultural response after losing a significant portion of its territory in a war, leading people to come together and support one another.
• 😀 Despite being anti-materialistic, hygge can involve objects like candles, which help create an intimate atmosphere and promote lingering moments.
• 😀 In the U.S., embracing hygge can be challenging due to the fast-paced lifestyle and lack of social welfare systems like those in Denmark, which remove everyday worries.
• 😀 In Minneapolis, the Nordic Market tries to spread the spirit of hygge by creating cozy environments, with an emphasis on warmth, comfort, and calm.
• 😀 As we begin 2026, hygge’s emphasis on comfort, togetherness, and slowing down could offer a needed antidote to the stresses of modern life.

Q & A

What is the concept of hygge and where did it originate?

Hygge is a Scandinavian concept that emphasizes comfort, warmth, and joy. It originated in Denmark and is closely tied to the national identity there, representing pleasant togetherness and creating a warm, cozy environment.

How is hygge celebrated during the cold winter months in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, hygge is embraced through cozy environments, such as a Nordic market selling fuzzy blankets, socks, sweaters, coffee mugs, and candles. These items create a warm, inviting atmosphere that reflects the principles of hygge.

How did the Nordic market mentioned in the transcript get started?

The Nordic market was started by the great-grandfather of the owner as a small corner market in the 1920s. Over time, it has grown into a place where people can explore Scandinavian culture, even if they are not of Scandinavian descent.

What is the significance of candles in hygge?

Candles play a key role in hygge as they create an intimate and cozy atmosphere. The soft glow of candles encourages people to slow down and enjoy the moment, which is central to the concept of hygge.

What is the role of hygge in Scandinavian culture?

Hygge is deeply ingrained in Scandinavian culture, especially in Denmark. It represents a way of life focused on contentment, simplicity, and togetherness, often emphasizing small, everyday pleasures like spending time with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment by the fire.

How did hygge gain popularity outside Scandinavia?

Hygge gained popularity in the UK around 2015, particularly during the period of debate over the UK's exit from the European Union. It spread to the US shortly after, coinciding with the social media boom and cultural shifts such as Donald Trump's election.

What did Deema Zein learn from her interview with a Scandinavian studies professor?

The professor explained that hygge is about creating a balanced life and enjoying pleasant togetherness. The professor also noted that hygge gained traction in Denmark after the loss of a significant portion of its territory in the 19th century, symbolizing a collective embrace of contentment despite challenges.

Can hygge be fully embraced in the United States given its busy lifestyle?

While hygge is possible in the US, it is more challenging due to the fast-paced, 'go-go-go' culture. The concept works more smoothly in Denmark because of social welfare benefits like free healthcare and childcare, which reduce everyday worries. In the US, these elements are not as readily available.

How does Deema Zein explain the contradiction between hygge and social media?

Deema Zein highlights the contradiction that arises when hygge is shared on social media. While hygge emphasizes being present and enjoying time with others, social media often focuses on staging moments for external validation, rather than genuinely experiencing togetherness.

How does Anna, from the Nordic market, incorporate hygge into her store?

Anna tries to create a hygge-inspired environment by offering a space where people can relax, have something warm to drink, and enjoy a calm atmosphere. Although her store focuses on selling items that facilitate hygge, she emphasizes the importance of creating a warm, inviting experience for customers.