First, MUSICA, and second… Hello All💞, and third, I thought I would talk about this thing that’s very popular in Europe (and probably all over) right now called Hygge ~ While we were traveling I would walk into a bookstore in Great 
(great and wonderful) Britain, and invariably, on the front table would be six different books, all with some cozy atmospheric picture of H💟ME on the cover and called some variation of “HYGGE,” which makes sense when you find out Hygge is Danish for “cozy.” So I checked it out and it’s pronounced “HYU-gah,” but I like to pronounce it “HUG,” since the word embraces (so to speak) the entire spirit of Hygge. We’ve had Hygge for a long time around here too, but we’ve called it other things … the way my mom said it was,
And sometimes it’s known as Living the Dream; or Having it All; or Living Large; or The Pursuit of Happiness; and let’s not forget . . .
Oh yeah. It’s all about making a world of Contentment in your own
Unfortunately, we can’t control what goes on in the outside world, which seems to get more ridiculously uncontrollable every day, but we CAN control what goes on in our own homes ~ whether it’s one room, an apartment, or a mansion. Hygge has nothing to do with money, it’s an equal opportunity bringer of joy.
Hygge is a state of mind and a recognizing that what you seek, you already have. I’ve perfected my Hygge in rented rooms and tiny apartments when I was younger. I make it every time we travel in a small train compartment when I bring along my feather pillow, my comfy slippers, a new wonderful book to read, my electric kettle, my favorite cup, my favorite tea, and some homemade cucumber sandwiches. That’s Traveling Hygge, there’s more to it, but today we’re talking bout Hygge In-House. In YOUR house to be exact!
There are a thousand ways to Hygge yourself, and if you’ve been hanging around this Blog long enough, you know that’s mostly what we love to talk about. How to make a Homemade Happy Life . . .
Over the years, I’ve recognized that most of the little things that make life wonderful are found in the same basic framework I use when I give a party: They always seem to appeal to one of the five senses, plus that magical sixth sense, the highly personal one called 
“imagination.” Because the senses are kind of your everything. If they are constantly fed a diet of car exhaust, too many people at the mall, the dentist’s drill, fast food cheeseburgers, news of starving children, killer germs on the loose, and culture collapse, staring into your phone for hours on end, and perhaps a quick frisking at the airport, you are just not going to be happy! SO simple. You might have to go out and experience all of that, but then you can come home, where YOU are in charge. Whew. Look around your home. How does it feel? How does it sound? How does it look? How does it smell? How does it taste? Are there flowers, candles, a cozy throw for you, books, teacups? Is there toast and cheese? Are there pancakes? Is there pretty music that sends you to the moon? Now for number six: see any whimsy, anything that only says YOU in all caps? The question is, does your house FEED you from the well of sweetness?
Hygge thyself!
When it’s all rainy and gray outside . . .
Make a fire or light a candle . . . light many candles!
Lots of you know how much I love houses ~ I have one room where there are only paintings of houses on the walls. Over the years, when I’m out and about, I might see a little candle house, the one with the green roof is my newest in this long slow-growing collection. I found it in Scotland where so many of the real houses are white stucco. What could be more Hygge than a candle IN a house? It’s the Hyggiest! And long, and slow-growing? That’s Hygge too.
Light the candles and then go make yourself a cup of tea, and cuddle up to watch an old movie . . .
This is Audrey Hepburn and Gregory adorable Peck in Roman Holiday. Five Stars! I have a wonderful list of old movies that could keep a person busy and in Hygge City for a whole winter if they wanted!
This is the June page from my new 2017 wall-calendar and just a reminder, because the main thing about Hygge, as you can probably tell by just reading about it, it’s so HEALTHY! It doesn’t weigh you down, it makes you buoyant, up and ready to go! It’s priceless, and it’s a gift you can give yourself because it’s FREE!
Read a book that will light your soul, send your heart to the moon, make tears flow down your cheeks, and inspire you to greatness. Read biographies about your heroes. I love reading about the life of Beatrix Potter because she makes me want to be a better person.💞
I think it’s very Hygge to put dried flowers in her books . . .
Even housekeeping and doing laundry can be Hygge, if you wait a moment and let yourself SEE the before and afters . . . and just how pretty wrinkles and patterns can be, smell the cleanness, feel how organized you must be as you are hanging things to dry, there in the Village of Hygge, where you are in charge of your environment, and your environment is not in charge of you.
And how lovely it is to have your hands slippery in warm water caring for your things, washing them, loving them, making them last forever. You can sing while you do it, and that will make the other people in the house happy too. Really, it will.🎵
Luv-lee bubble baths, where all tensions rooooolllll away in the water . . . play the MUSICA! Because guess who’s in charge? You are!
It’s hard to find words for how wonderful a little petty-pet can be, but I tried.
Put something fun on the calendar, something to look forward to! Hygge is having a dream, and making it come true, even if it takes ten years!
Make a picture wall in your bathroom. It’s zen. No one wants to come out of my bathroom now! See HERE.
Have a Jane Austen tea party and Celebrate her birthday on December 16th, use her books as centerpieces, tell everyone to wear a hat … I have lots of recipes for delicious tea party food! (Just click on which recipe you’d like to have.)
There is also Doing Nothing that is totally Hygge, especially if you find you are doing too much: sleep in! Do it in the coziest flannel jammies you can find. Keep the room cold so you are cuddled under the covers. Moosh the pillow around your ears to keep them warm. Don’t laugh. This can be done! As my mother said, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way!” Put it on your calendar if you have to!
This is Joe (look close to see him), enjoying the Hygginess of it all!
This was the sky over our house this morning, after a few grey days and even some rain. How heavenly is that?
When I was little I used to go outside at night before bed, to look at the stars, and fill my lungs with a big breath of fresh night air to take back to my cozy (Hyggie like crazy) bed with me. I still do it sometimes. The stars, they have secrets, and if you put your ear down close, and listen hard, they will tell you.❤️
My dad used to say, “Be an Elf,” and to me, that’s the same exact same thing as Hygge. It’s a hug. Kind of virtual, but you definitely still feel it. Christmas can be a lonely time for some of us, especially if we’ve dreamed of a certain kind of magical Christmas but have never quite gotten it. I say, this year, think about how you can give it to yourself … a nice big Hygge box of jammies and candles just cannot hurt, with a card signed, “Te Adoro, with all my heart, 💞 your darling Santa, who loves you.” You can wake up, find it all wrapped up under the tree along with the cashmere sweater he left for you, smell the roast chicken he put in the oven, drink the hot chocolate he made for you, count your blessings and be very surprised and thrilled.💝
And another thing this season: Be sure to Shop Small and Buy Local. Because most of the money you spend when you do that, STAYS in your community. That’s a very good thing. Very Hygge. Wear a cute hat when you do it, spread some sunshine. Send love to Tennessee, if you have a little extra, to help the families affected by the terrible wildfires. Send them a little Hygge. And that’s it, oh no, it’s not, I forgot, one other surprise I have left for you! Pretty Hygge too.
This is the Giveaway we have from the new Willard (which just started going out today, it takes about four days for it all to go, so be patient, and if you’re not on our mailing list, you can still sign up) . . . Anyway the prize is a signed copy of the new Heart of the Home, a bird in a gilded cage for your tree, and two dream charms, one is Christmas Joy, and the other (the red one) is Heart of the Home…and all you have to do is leave a comment and you’ll be entered for the drawing! BUT, there’s something else, because Hey, it’s Christmas, and Hey, we’re Hygging today!
Oh yeah, It’s Heart of the Home AGAIN, signed, like the first one, and also, the now out-of-print A Fine Romance, also signed ~ and there’s a little dream charm too, “Girlfriends,” plus, yes, 
it’s the teapot that we bought in an antique store in the Peak District in England that I wrote about in A Fine Romance … I thought, because I have enough teapots, that I would get quadruple the pleasure from this one. First I got to use it, then write about it, then I got to paint it, and now I get to share it. How much more Hygge can you get? Te Adoro, with all my heart, 💞 your darling Santa, who loves you.
So there will be two drawings! Two winners! Just leave a comment, and I’ll announce the winners here on the blog in a week or so, when everyone’s had a chance to enter, and I’ll email them too.
I’m home.🏡 Feeling so lucky! Happy to be here. Sending love to you all.💝
Wonderful Willard! Wonderful Post!
Welcome Back!
Hygges from here!
Loved every moment “traveling” with you ! Glad you & Joe are back safe & sound.
While you were on your adventures, our family took your advice and adopted a playmate for our cat Watson. She’s the sweetest tuxedo cat and we named her Tickety Boo. So generous with your give away. Would cherish anything SB !!!
Hugs, Connie
Tickety Boo!! Too cute, congratulations Connie!
Girl…your blog, Willard, books, are one great big cozy HUG! You’re contagious, bring so much joy and happiness to so many. For all of that, thank you so very much!
Thank you back Lisa!🎄
Hopefully I don’t get buried again in the “comment stash” but wanted to say Merry Christmas month! The post is LOVELY and ALL that you wanted us to feel. Beautiful…beautiful…beautiful. Your spirit came through loud and clear.
Pet the furry elf in your house. Love the way he is your loving helper!
Cheers to Joe.
I will do it FayE! Thank you!
Rabbit rabbit Susan! Wonderful warm post, made me feel like hugging you! December brings out the best in me and I’m sure everyone else too. Decorating, planning, baking, and being an elf can’t be bad. Love.
No, it’s a little bit of sunshine, and we do need as much of that as we can get! xoxo
I can not wait to get the new Calendar. I would go get it myself but my daughters get it for me as part of my Christmas. It is a tradition. Then I fill it all out and read it from front to end. That is part of my New Years. Then with that month I have to read it again. If a recipe, I try them out. Then at the end of the year they are stored away. I can not throw them out. I can not cut them. It feels like a sin to me. The real hard part is waiting for the girls to get it for me. I do tell them to let me have it early but no go. Patience is not a virtue. Blah. Thank you for the years of your work. Love it.
Well, that’s what you get for raising bad girls! LOL, I’m like you, so hard to wait!!! xoxo
I love everything Susan Branch! You inspire me to be my best self. Thank you!
Highest compliment, thank you Beth. xoxo
Thanks for the positive words today…I have been trying to stay positive myself and think of 3 things I have to feel grateful for at the end of each day…and also tell myself “OK, what is going right?”…Keep up the good work!
The whole idea of writing it in your diary, about that sky, or that pie, or that whatever, is just so UP-lifting!
Dearest Hygge Susan, you are the epitome of cozy! I always feel so much better about the world after visiting with you. Thank you for bringing joy to me on a day that is needed. I suspect that is true of many of us here. My home is a better place because of your inspiration, dear one. XOXO ♥
You are a dear to tell me Martha Ellen, thank you … have a wonderful day!
Thank you, dear Susan for reminding me to nurture myself and my home. With all the craziness in the world recently, this was exactly what I needed❤️ You are such an inspiration to all of you girlfriends.
It’s a two-way street Ruth, I am inspired as I seek to inspire. xoxoxoxoxo
Dear Susan, When everyday life starts to get to you there is nothing like taking a break and looking over your books. Merry Christmas! L
Very sweet Lynn!
I so enjoyed reading this post. You are so right……it’s the little things that make all the difference. Welcome home to you and Joe and thank you for so many enjoyable days of following along with your fantastic trip. A new book is a must!
Wishing you both all the joys of the season!
Thank you so much Janice!
We just got back from England as well. I am currently reading the little book of hygge and enjoying it. Welcome home Susan and thank you for always being a firm defender of the home! I absolutely love your blog! I hope you weren’t too upset by the negative comments on your recent blog post. Just put your fluffy jammies on and cuddle up and all will be right in the world again – at least at your house. Much love, Julie
I wasn’t ~ I felt like I had to try. And yes, flannel jammies always win the day on a cold winter’s night! Love back to you Julie! xoxo
One more thing! Another Christmas book would be wonderful!!
Dear Susan,
I am thrilled that you and Joe have returned from your adventures in Scotland! I missed your wonderfully cheerful writing, beautiful artwork, photography, recipes and Jack. I look forward to the book about your trip.
When you have a few spare minutes, look online at the New York Times feature of the last few days called Pickles. You will love this heartwarming story about beloved pets.
Loving wishes for a blesses holiday season at Home.
Thank you Jeanie!
Welcome home, Susan and Joe! I’m sure your trip to England will provide many good memories for you in the days to come. I love this post! Recently I moved from Ohio to Colorado and am attempting to make my “granny suite” reflect ME! I brought along some cherished photos, books, watercolor paintings and other beloved items and have been busy arranging all of them. Cozy is the perfect word to describe Hygges! I feel more at home each day and am going to make the best of God’s blessings to me. May you and Joe have a wonderful Christmas season and a very happy New Year.
Happy new home Joy! Sending Christmas love xoxo
Susan, So very glad that you and Joe are home safe and sound after your wonderful trip. Enjoy the Christmas season with lots of tea parties!
Susan,
I’m so glad that you’re home. I missed you, and I missed seeing Jack. Today I spent a good portion of the day working on a Christmas gift for my brother and sister-in-law. I’m always happy when I’m stitching. All the craziness going on in the world just disappears. I’m looking forward to seeing Willard appear in my inbox. Thank you for such a wonderful giveaway.
Hand sewing has always been a refuge for me too. Love it!
Welcome home, Susan! Glad you made it safely across the Pond and back to your lovely warm HOME. Looking forward to hearing about your adventures abroad. I visited your lovely Martha’s Vineyard this summer with my sister and understand first hand now why you love it so. I only read alittle of the responses to your post election post and I want you to know I’m 100% on your team. It made me sad to see how so many could miss what you actually wrote or let their own feelings color what they read. If things ever get uncomfortable for you in the East you are ALWAYS welcome in the West, in SLO, and at my table! Keep on doing what you have always done: celebrating all the wonderful ways we can come together! BIG HUG to you!
I think maybe they stopped reading about a third of the way down! But I tried, and I couldn’t Not, so the chips, they have fallen, and mostly, it was an amazingly positive experience. Love to you Patty, big hello to SLO Town!
Thank you for today’s wonderful post! It was like a bubble bath, cup of tea and a walk to the beach all in one!!
SO nice, Jodie!
Oh my goshness!!! Such wonderful homey hygge! Coming on here is like coming right into your oh so lovey home! I seriously thought I would mourn you not being in England. You my dear, have cured me. And Jack has been oh so influencial too❤️
So happy you are H❤️ME!
Thank you Patti!
So glad to have you back, Susan. You have inspired me to sit back and enjoy all the Hyggeness that already surrounds me in my little house. [I love to create it, but often forget to just relax and soak it all in.] Thank you for reminding me.
Yes, I guess noticing all our wonderful blessings is half the battle! xoxo
I have always been very Hygge, even when I was a young girl. I fixed up
my room at home, even ordered a print of “A Young Girl Reading” from the back pages of a magazine (probably “Seventeen”!), spray painted a frame and hung it in my room!
If you can ever get back to reading SONG OF YEARS (I just KNOW you would love it!), you will read how Suzanne, the heroine, loves Christmas! I adore the way she feels about it and I read that passage out loud sometimes to the family on Christmas Eve.
Thank you for the beautiful blog! xoxo
Love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA
I’ll get there, and I love you for reminding me! xoxo
Welcome Home Susan!!! I love that you traveled by ship, how lovely. Well I was feeling a little down today until I saw your email. I so enjoyed reading it, your blog + looking in your store. It really lifted my spirits! I have been a longtime fan of yours, since Heart of the Home. So I own all your books along with other treasures from you. Many years ago, I cut your kitchen art out of Country Living and framed them. (think I need to just buy your prints) Thanks for all the Joy you bring me.
So nice to have you here Kerry!
Your post was the perfect read for this cold and snowy night.
I have a suggestion for your ever-growing list of Books to be Written – an illustrated (of course) book of quotes. You have liberally sprinkled them throughout your work through the years. It would be lovely to have them collected in one place.
Welcome home!
I’ve always wanted to do one! Love them so much!
Nesting is not just for spring – – Holidays are a wonderful time to “Nest” at home and count your blessings. Welcome home, enjoy the warm fuzzies and Hygge – – you are greatly loved and enjoyed in our home Susan, we keep your inspiration everywhere in books, calendars, pictures, cards, and even words painted on our walls – – you nurture my “happy gene” and I am thankful for it.
Thank YOU Kathy!
oh! my goodness!!!! what a surprise, indeed!!! so, again….may I please say…with ALL my heart….thank you! oh! thank you!!!….mostly….for being you!!!!! happy December to all. we had a pre-December treat the other day…..TONS of the most gorgeous CARDINALS in our yard!!!!! went from tree to tree to flying thru the air to just BEING here!!!!! wow. must have been on a migration journey?? we’ve never even heard of such a thing to happen. lucky and blessed, i’d say. imagine….TONS of cardinals!!!!!! hope you are getting SOME rest, dear Susan. what, if any, jet-lag is there with an ocean crossing?? maybe just the usual (very real) exhaustion of travel?? well, do enjoy each moment. you are always in our thoughts and hearts and prayers. all love. xoxoxo
Now that IS a wonderful treat … nature’s Christmas decorations, good for Valentine’s Day too, or really ANY time! No jet lag with a ship, it goes so slowly, we gain about an hour a day coming home! So you can sleep a lot! And arrive home pretty much okay! Thank you dear Chris, loved the vision of your Cardinals!
So happy You and Joe went on such a wonderful adventure, took us along and are now home safe and sound. And just in time for Christmas! Have always felt we are kindred spirits and love your blog! Thank You for sharing…. Merry Christmas!
welcome home Susan and Joe! so glad you had a wonderful trip. Beautiful post! Hugs to all!
Ahhhh, what precious memories the poem about “had a little tea party this afternoon at 3” brings to mind of my mother or dad reading it to me those many years ago when I was a child. I think it was in my When We Were Very Small book, or maybe it was in my big book of nursery rhymes. It was read to me so many times, requested every night, I’m sure the pages were worn thin. Thanks for that sweet reminder tonight.
Thanks,Susan, for sharing book lists, movie lists, musica, quotes, lovely illustrations ,recipes, and your life and travels. Merry Christmas!
I may have been a little naughty, but it wasn’t my fault. The sunshine, blue sky, and light breeze made me play hooky from work… I promise I will mend my ways… Next year… maybe…
<3
GOOD Girl!
Susan, I have been checking every day since you arrived home to see if you have updated your blog. In my busy life, reading your posts is like meditating. It soothes my soul and reminds me of the important things in life. I only discovered you recently but have fallen in love with your tales of your travels and life on Martha’s Vineyard. I have finished the Fairy Tale Girl and I’ve started Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams. I’ve also been reading through all of your old posts. I would love to be the lucky one to win the teapot. I too am a tea lover. I think it is because it reminds me of my grandmother. I am glad you are safe at home now with your darling kitties. Best wishes to you and Joe over the holidays.
I forgot to mention that I have signed up for the Willards too but have not yet received it. I hope that I am on your list!
I do not know why this happens to some people. I’ve always been told to ask you to check your spam folders, because other than your own system blocking, there is no reason why you shouldn’t get it. Let me know if you don’t have yours by Sunday night and I’ll check it again on our side.
Thank you Theresa! Nice to have you here!
Winter is arriving slowly in Michigan..it is rainy and chilly. I love snuggling by the fire this time of year with my Susan Branch books and visions of Christmas are dancing in my head. Welcome back…
Those dang dancing sugar plums! Keeping me awake with excitement! xoxo
Such fun inspiration! What would life be without tea pots and cats. Mine are meowing now for their dinner. Hugs from the west coast of California.
So nice to have you back. Your blog is just lovely!
I feel all comfortable and cozy now!
Just wanted to mention that I really liked your November 19th post. Your posts always get me thinking. I totally agree with all the points you made!
Today’s post was very inspirational in another way. Keep writing! There are a lot of people who benefit from your words.
Thank you Kathryn. xoxo
Welcome home, Susan.
I have your Willard waiting in my inbox until I can tidy up the kitchen, wash, brush, hop into my most comfortable jammies and open it like the true gift it is to me. Your happy spirit and cheerful posts are a true tonic in these troubled times.
Hygge sounds like the best way to go. Looking forward to hyggeing my way to a most happy holiday season. 🙂
Thank you darling Kim! xoxo
Your trip sounds incredible! Joe is so dashing in his beret!
I’ll tell him you said so! xoxo
Well, I’m sure you’re glad to be back to your cozy home as you get ready for the Christmas season. Love to see you sweet pics of how you decorate and make everything look so warm & welcoming. … ‘Tis the season for ‘Hygges’!!! ~Love, Linda
HI Susan, So glad your home, so good to see Jack again. Hygee, sometimes I think and feel things that I don’t believe any one else does and next thing i know someone names it! You and your blog so often do this for me. Kathy
1
Lovely to have you here Kathy!
Goodness! Glad you’re home and over sea lag. And I found Joe! You’d have thought I won the lottery since I found him without my glasses. (grin)
I Googled hygge and guess what! It has a place in every room of our home. We carry it within too. Thanks for giving us a new realization.
Do you mind if I share this link here: amara.com/luxpad/hygge/ It’s one of my favorites. Your examples are priceless and do-able.
Thanks!
Ha ha, “Sea Lag!” Yes, those long lovely nights sleep on the ship, helped a lot with the sea lag! I agree, bathrooms get Hygged too! Thank you Limner! xoxo
Oh, I’m looking forward to my Willard! I tried saying “Hya-gah” out loud a couple of times…I guess my husband thought I was sneezing because he kept saying, “Bless you!” So glad you’re safe at home with Jack kitty. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Victoria from Lake Arrowhead
Yes, yes, just go for the Hug! Much better! 😀 Thank you Victoria!
oops spelled it wrong, Hygge.
Dear Susan, so glad to read about your recent trip to the UK. Keep warm and enjoy snuggling with Joe and Jack in front of a cozy fire! mind how you go, Yvonne
Thank you for Happy Thoughts…keep them coming. So glad you are home.
So glad you are back home from your wonderful travels! I just spent some time decorating tonight, making our home hygge for the season, and settled in on the couch with your Christmas books (with The Crown on Netflix, a perfectly cozy evening). Something kept telling me that you had posted something new for us today, and I wasn’t disappointed. Your post was just what I needed after a tough week. It’s like a huge hug to be reminded of those things that I adore the most, yet in the busy day to day life, I feel awful that I am not able to devote more time to those cozy details that make the world right, in spite of the sadness that takes place on the world.
Because your books and art and blog are such a magical, happy place for me, I always picture your days at the Vineyard to be bliss. It really touched me when you wrote that Christmas can be a lonely time if you’ve always pictured a magical Christmas, yet it never quite seems to happen. It was such a loving reminder that we all share more than we realize, from the joys to the sorrows. It made me feel a little less alone and part of the big circle of girlfriends to read that.
Thank you again for a wonderful post, Susan. YOU have been my inspiration for hygge in my life and home, well before I even knew what it was. Merry Christmas to you!
Back to gleaning more ideas from your Christmas books, and watching The Crown. The corgi have me pinned down on the couch, so it feels just lovely.
Happy to hear from you Tammy. Pinned by Corgi! What a blessing! We watched the first episode of The Crown last night! I just love movies “based on real stories.” SO interesting to see the day to day cares. Sending love. Light a candle just for you. xoxo
Thanks, Susan, for the wonderful, uplifting read for December 1st! Wishing you the best of the Christmas season, with lots of love and joy!
Susan, such a beautiful post. Can’t wait to receive the new Willard! Thank you!
Things seem so much better now that you have returned home. Our world can smile.
I had a hygge experience in October. We were at our 1 room brick 200 year old school house in NY and it snowed. We have had our seasonal place for over 10 years but have always gone South before Winter came to call. It was amazing to see the snow fall through 200 year old windows – like so many children experienced. The skate marks on the floor at the front door always reminded me of the Seasons that the school has seen and the secrets it holds. Being there in the snow was a big hug! Thank you do the perfect description! Got to go and look for Willard . 🐈
No matter how many times I see it begin to snow, it is ALWAYS a miracle to me. I can’t really ever get over it! Lucky you, I can just imagine how that felt!
You’re home!! Welcome! May much merry making and tucking in and sleeping in commence!
oui!
Susan…you know what is truly important…love, love reading your blog!! You are blessed with the gift of encouragement! God bless you!
Writing about it is as good for me as it is for you! xoxo
Please know that you and your heart are always welcome in my Canadian home. My mother came from German roots where “gemuetlichkeit” was also about a cozy home. Early on I learnt that my toddlers settled down for dinner when it was eaten by candlelight! We had a Hummel candle they carefully placed in the middle of the table when we were setting it. We were all so sad when it was gone but replaced by other finds. On a slim budget I always look for these cozy items at garage sales where others tastes or hurried life styles left treasures to be found. It doesn’t need to be a luxury…it can be thrifted or home made!
Another wonderful word!!! Interesting about the candles and children. Maybe some reverence and softness soothes the savage beasties? And you are so right, it just never needs to be expensive. xoxo
Dearest Susan,
Thank you for your generosity of Heart and for being such an adorable Ambassador of Love!
It’s clearly where everything about you starts and ends!
Much love and many blessings to you and Joe always!
Thank you Elena!
Such a good post. I grew up in a Swedish family and get it. My son said if our house was any more charming it would explode. Thanks.
LOL, the ultimate compliment!
I certainly enjoyed this December 1 post! It would be nice to be chosen, but since I won the OWL mug….guess I have had my turn. How I love my Emma Owl mug sent from Susan Branch! It was the NICEST surprise ever. A big thank you!
Very nice of you to say that Susan! It’s always more fun for me to give, probably than it is even for you to win!
Welcome Home Susan and Joe! How delighted you must be to be back with Jack, you are twice glad! Glad to have gone and glad to come back! Now for the lovely holidays! Have fun, treasure each moment. Thank you for sharing your life!
Karen C.
So happy to have you back home❣️ Xoxo judi
Thank you Susan for spreading sunshine. Love your posts and the coziness of decorating for Christmas. LOVE this time of year!
What a delightful evening this has been – A Willard and a blog post to read and reread. So delighted to hear that you had a marvelous trip, nice to learn what Hygge is (have seen it referred to but not explained) and a joy to read about your upcoming projects and writing. Thank you!
I would love to win one of your two prize packages. Winning the teapot would be like a dream come true. I love teapots!!! Glad you had a safe trip home in time to enjoy a home Christmas….because “There’s no Christmas like a home Christmas….”(Perry Como).
I think we arranged this trip just perfect, home in the (St.) Nick of time!
After having an exceptionally stressful week, this blog entry really lifted my spirits and served as a reminder that happiness is with people and things that make our home “home.” Thank-you!
!
Lovely thought Lisa. xoxo
So glad you’re back home now for the holidays, Susan…putting lots of Hygge into your house for winter! Thanks for offering such wonderful giveaways!!!
Makes it fun for me too Dawn!
Welcome home! I must tell you how much I enjoy your blog, your books, etc. Susan. I have been a fan for many years (at least it seems that long) however I have never left a reply until now. This particular post spoke to me immensely. My husband passed away last year after 24 years of marriage (a second marriage for both of us) and it has been really hard to remember that “home” is truly what you make it even when there is no one there to share the joy of it with. Thank you so much for the reminder and such an amazing post! Diana
Oh dear Diana, I can only imagine. I’m so sorry. You need to give yourself those hugs more than ever. Sending much love. xoxo
Another most generous give away to put us in the Christmas spirit! This blog is perfect to get us all in to the Holiday mood. So looking forward to a new Willard. I don’t know how you find the time since you just got home, had a party, and did all this writing but I am glad you some how do! Thanks.
Figured I would hit the ground running, and then taper off! It’s working good!
Welcome home! Woolfolk Yarns make a deliciously soft, bulky yarn, called Hygge- and yes it is like a luxurious hug.
Huh! Of course, I should have known. Thanks for telling us Marilyn!
Welcome home and thank you for such a long, juicy letter. Also looking forward to getting a new Willard!
Thanks so much for your notes, especially today’s (Dec. 1st) I needed to read it and it soothed my soul. Thank you Susan Branch
Welcome Home. What a trip you had. Loved hearing all about it.❤️ Janice
Wasn’t it like a miracle to see the sun this morning? Thanks for the wonderful post today – a bright candle in a dark world. More than ever, we’ll need some hygge! Welcome back – it was wonderful to share your trip with you!
Can’t wait Mary Beth. Always fun to think about what you might like to see!
I have loved and admired your talent, books, and blog for so long! I have shared your books with my mother-in-law and she loved them, too. Thank you for sharing with us. Have a Merry Christmas season!
Same to you Jan!
I remember my Norwegian father describing houses or rooms as hyggelig. He said it was a combination of cozy and homey. It was nice to hear it has become a “thing”.
Wishing you a very hyggelig Christmas.
Now even a new way to spell it. Thank you Lee!
The Norwegian way!
A new post is always welcome on a chilly winter evening! How nice that we got home in time for the cozy, cocooning season. The perfect time for regrouping and planning the next trip. 😊 Looking forward to Willard.
Coming soon Esther!
Welcome back, dear Susan and Joe. What a year this has been…filled with so many peaks and valleys. I am a firm believer that God never gives us more than we can bear, but sometimes that gets tested to the limits. How wonderful to be surrounded by the cozy HYGGE of family, friends, and home. Girlfriends, enjoy this Christmas season by taking some time to count every blessing and reflect upon what is nearest and dearest to you. Peace and blessings to you and yours.
To the limits Samantha! But there is nothing like counting your blessings to see that although there has been unbearable loss, there are still many bright and wonderful things to be grateful for. Thank you!
Oh my! Two long letters from The Heart of the Home to warm my heart and spark the Christmas season. Thank you ! I will read them both again when I snuggle down under the flannel sheets🤗
Stay cozy Vickie!
Lovely post! Thank you for words of encouragement ❤️
As always lots of wise words. It’s a privilege to be able to make a house a home. Love to hear about how you make a home when you’re on the road. Tea in a ceramic cup is so much better than paper cups 🙂
A total privilege. When I do it, I can’t help but think of women in very poor places (or worse, war torn places) who don’t have the means around them. I also know they will do whatever they can to make it happen, because that is our nature. xoxo
Susan,
I always look forward to Willard and when it appears it always brings a smile to my face and I always look for Jack. He and my Elizabeth Bunny (my British Shorthair cat) share the same love for hair bands and it looks like bubble baths as well 🙂
Best wishes for the merriest of holidays!
Debbie Sue
Elizabeth Bunny! How darling!
Merry Christmas Dear Susan and Joe! I am decked in Hygee from head to toe and am loving it! I am watching THE HOMECOMING as I “write” this comment to you. I love this sweet movie and always watch it first every year. The Baldwin Sisters’ Christmas tree, the Christmas Pagent in the little Church, and the sleigh-ride all make me feel like I am right there! My favorite Christmas movie of all time is (1931 Reginald Owen version) A CHRISTMAS CAROL. …..and you actually met old Scrooge in person!! That is really neat!! As many years and versions of A CHRISTMAS CAROL that I have watched, I have never read the book. Well, I bought a neat old copy of the book this year and have been reading it every night, trying to make it last as long as I can ( as I do with all of YOUR books! ) I love decorating with books like you do and I guarantee that I will put a pretty ribbon and bow on this one and put it in the living room ❤️ I loved reading your new post and am so looking forward to getting the lastest WILLARD!! I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again… You are such a gift Susan! God bless you and yours!..” God Bless Us Everyone!”
Loved your whole comment Kathiellen, so Hyggeligy! Thank you dear! xoxo
So good to have a new post from you from right here at home in the old USA!! Can’t wait to hear more about your voyage & adventures!! I so look forward to each edition of Willard.
Hygge is something I think I have always naturally embraced but have been reading more & more about it the past year or so. My husband’s grandparents were from Sweden so since joining the family in the mid 90’s I have enjoyed learning about the Scandinavian cultures and implementing traditions into our home life.
Hugs to you Joe & the kitties!!!
Love,
Laura in Illinois
SO interesting Laura! Hugs back to you and yours!
I love the bird in the gilded cage ornament. It reminds me of my mom’s old paper ornaments she got during WWII when metal was hard to come by.
I remember a bird in a gilded cage that my parents had that got so old and crunchy it probably fell apart one day. I gravitated right over to that little sparkly thing!
Thank you for this lovely post, it felt like a hug after a very challenging day…
So happy you’re home safe and sound and you had a delightful trip, I so enjoyed following along on Twitter.
Thanks for this very generous opportunity!!!
Many squishy hugs and love,
Jeanette
Same to you Jeanette! xoxo
Dec 16 is also Beethoven’s birthday!
What a beautiful post! We’ve had our Hygge on all along, haven’t we? Thank you again, Susan, for continuing to be an inspiration to me and always making me smile 🙂
xoxo Thank you Gail!
Merry Christmas ❣️
Melissa
Welcome back! The big things are flashy, fun and enriching, but the little things are what grounds us and give us a sense of peace and reminds us how blessed we are.
Welcome home, Susan! So happy to have you back — and posting! I loved this post — so homey and cozy. So….. my big question is …. will there be a book about your latest adventure? Fingers crossed that the answer is YES!
Barbara W.
Still too soon to tell, need some time to clear my head and see what rises to the top! Love how Inspiration works!
Finding Willard in my mail and a blog post too. What a wonderful ending to my day! That should put a smile on my face and peace in my heart. Thanks for being there for all of us, Susan.
Thank you back Christie!
Welcome home, Susan! This was such an uplifting and inspiring post for me. Thank you and have a very Merry Christmas to you and Joe and your kitty, Jack❤️!
Susan, I have run out of your Days book that I have used as a diary for years. I have 12 of them!! What kind of notebook do you use for a diary. I read Willard and really am enthused to continue journaling!! Thanks for all the joy you bring!!
Days has finally, after all these years, gone out of print! I use diaries that I get at bookstores or gift shops, no particular brand, mine are a mishmash of designs. Journals, as I’m sure you KNOW, get more valuable every year! So fun to remember where we’ve been!
Thanks Susan! Do you think you will be ever put out another Days type diary?
It’s a little hard to say right now, I need to cast my nets around a bit. I hope so!
Welcome home. Happy you and Joe can share these “adventures” together! I too, love all things cozy – from re-reading favorite books by Miss Read, Jan Karon, and yours, dear Susan, to knitting socks – marveling at the perfect “heel turn”, adding to the “Quote Book” I have been keeping for decades, relishing the quite of the woods as I watch the birds at the feeder from the front porch of our tiny log cabin, and giving thanks in prayer every morning for “my many blessings, so many I cannot count them”. And I give thanks for you!
Thank you back Suzanne, we too are SO enjoying our bird feeders right now! It’s wonderful to be home!
What a fantastic post!! Feeling your elf magic in a BIG way!! Looking forward to Willard…..feels like an early Christmas present! Cheers!!!
Hi Susan,
So glad you are both back safe and sound and that Jack still remembers you. Along with the Hygge and a toasty fire in the fireplace, try making some Swedish glogg. It is really good and warms your insides. Have a merry month of December!
Mary Ann
Hi Susan!
You always make me smile – be merry!
Welcome home.!
Hi Susan, so glad you and Joe are home safe and sound. Hygee for me is reading your blog and Willard. I hope you do write another book about your travels, your cooking, just about anything, I would read it!
Sending hugs.
I follow @countrylivinguk and I read about hygges in an article they tweeted. I think we have learned a lot about ‘hygges’ in your books through the years only ‘cozy’is easier to pronounce 🙂 I read your twitter timeline to follow your trip. Thank you for taking the time to share it with us. Have fun decorating, and have a nice Christmas.🎄🎅🏻
LOL, yes, well, Cozy is much easier to pronounce. xoxo
Welcome home, Sue and Joe!!!! I love the hygge message. Sipping a sherry, on the couch, in front of the fire. My favorite time of year, happy winter, to all us girlfriends.
Thank you.