I was inspired by an article on Book Riot about how to "Hygge Your Reading Life" and I wanted to share some ideas about how to claim the cozy of the season and relax with reading over the hectic holiday season.
The Danish philosophy of “hygge”—derived from the Norwegian term for “hug” —may be simpler to follow than pronounce (hoo-gah). Hygge is like a warm hug, a bowl of chowder or a good mystery by the fire and allows us to find a contentment within the cozy or comfort that is around us.
Here are a few ways to find your hygge while reading:
1. Get comfy, but not too comfy
In your most comfortable spot, grab a book you’ve been meaning to read and nestle in. “Nestle in” can’t mean a pillow and comforter, but just a small blanket to cover down to your toesies. We all know that if you get too warm, your eyes get heavy and we want to read a little, not nap a little.
2. Enjoy the exact moment
Before you open the cover, just take a minute to breathe realize you are ready to just enjoy the time you’ve carved out to be comfy and read. You aren’t at work, in a parent pick-up line, or waiting for a phone call. You are in your most comfortable spot and ready to turn some pages.
3. Read a section
We spend a lot of time finishing tasks, but reading this book right now isn’t a task, it’s just a choice. You don’t have to read a certain amount of pages, or chapters or even finish. You don’t have to connect it to anything or explain it to anyone. Just read and enjoy the story unfolding in the words for you in this exact moment.
4. Time for thanks
At a break in your book, stop to adjust your blankie and consider the environment you’ve created. It’s cozy, warm, you feel content…it’s Hygge! Nod and thank everything around you that brought you to this moment and then...
5. Repeat numbers 2-5!
The New Berlin Public Library staff are here to help you live your best hygge! We have space, materials, and a team of people to serve you and help you find the best book for your hygge moments!
P.S. To learn more about hygge, check out our books by Meik Wiking, Anu Partanen, and Lynda Balslev.
Gratefully yours,
Natalie Beacom
Library Director