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.💝
Welcome home! Wishing you a very Hygge Christmas season! I love hygge. One’s home should be their respite and safe haven from the sometimes wild, wild world in which we live. And, thank you for the reminder Susan, I knew there was something else I was forgetting to do today…call the chimney sweep.
Merry Christmas!
You’re going to want that fireplace!
Welcome home. I plan to have my gal pals for soup and drinks between the holidays…a chance to laugh and share our stories. Thank you for the reminder to enjoy the small but most important things in life.
Thank you Bev. xoxo
Hygges! I just spent that kind of day today. My friends came over and we created some handmade Christmas cards, with a stamp or two, and some watercoloring and some die cut snowflakes! And then we had little sandwiches and hot tea and more goodies such as pumpkin bread with dried cranberries and pecans. After that we created another card and we had a wonderful day, sharing friendship and creativity! So I know just what you’re saying and I need to send a hug your way! Thanks!
Luv-lee Barbara!
Happy December!!! Love this post!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Welcome home I look forward to hearing more about your trip to England and Scotland. Some day I hope to go there and to Ireland.
Us too, Ireland!
Welcome home Susan andJoe! So happy that you had a wonderful trip. I so enjoy all your posts and this one really made me smile! Your right it is the little things that mean the most and make life so wonderful. Hoping there will be a new book on the horizon soon..I have all your books and I love each one (my favorite two are Fairy Tale girl and Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams.) Have a very blessed and Merry Christmas!!
Thank you Barbara! Love the Diary books too, probably no matter what kind of book I do in the future, I think they will all have somewhat of a diary feel to them. I LOVE doing books that way!
I’m so glad you’re home! Have a wonderful holiday season.
What a great lesson teaching your girlfriends the word, hygge. Susan, I met you in Woodstock, GA at your book signing. I am the teacher of what we called Home Economics, but now is called Family and Consumer Science. I’m sure you don’t recall me as that was at the tail end of your tour! But, anyhow…I plan to put the word hygge above my classroom door to initiate conversation with my students and fellow teachers when they ask, “What does hygge mean?” I can really have some teachable moments and spread the word to this young generation that it truly is the little things in life. Unfortunately, that’s a concept not often understood. Thanks for expanding my vocabulary!
Yes, so important for them to know they can go inside for comfort, in more ways than one. Lovely teaching moment, thank you Paula. xoxo
Happy December! I know it will go by much too fast. Nice to have you home.
Yippee! A new Willard and a new post! I’m getting my cup of tea ready. Thank you so much and glad that you are home safe and sound.
Welcome back, so glad to see Jack again.
What a comfy, cozy post Susan. I need some Hygge’s right now. I lost my beautiful mom on Nov. 18, after a long battle with dementia. I am heartbroken, but am also determined to enjoy Christmas by putting up my tree, and keeping up the traditions that my mom always kept during the holidays. My candles have been lit, my throw just came out of the dryer, the tea kettle is just about whistling and the PJ’s are on. I have a massage scheduled for Saturday, and plan to sleep in on Sunday. Though the tears still come at times, there are smiles and even laughter at other times. In times like this, you realize how lucky you are to have good friends and family. I count you as one of my good “girlfriends” and your blog a place where I can always find comfort and joy. Welcome home Susan…
Ohhhhh, Gina, I am so so sorry. Of course you’re heartbroken. I feel your every word. 💔 xoxoxo
So sorry for your loss, Gina. I am sure she is watching over you every day. Has she come to you in a dream yet? Enjoy your Christmas. Put an angel ornament on your tree this year to remember your mom. Sending you a hug.
HYGGE HUGS to you, Gina. I am so sorry for your loss, but happy you are doing things for yourself. It is necessary. Xoxo
Susan, your blogs really do make my day. Interesting that you have a room with house pictures on the wall. My living room wall is covered with pictures of houses in snow and I even hooked one copied from a Christmas card. Hug for me today was having my angel’s trumpet plant bloom in my bedroom- the last two lovely white blossoms .
Beautiful! xoxo
So very glad you have returned home safe and sound. Have had the pleasure of both the new Willard and your blog post today. Oh JOY!! Always so uplifting and positive…something we all need in our tumultuous world today. You bring so much Hygge into our lives and I bless you for that. Wishing both you and your Joe a joyous Christmas!
Thanks so much Jane!
Welcome home Susan! Enjoyed the new Willard and blog post!
Welcome home, Susan & Joe! We know that it feels so good to be home and cozy by by the fire. My husband and I were blessed to see much of Scotland and the Lakes District of northern England for a few weeks in September. As beautiful as that part of the world is, there is no place like HOME! Blessings to you and yours this Christmas season. And thank you for continually sharing your travels and glimpses of your cozy life❣️
Welcome home and here’s to the memories! xoxo
Thank-you Susan for sharing so much of your life and feeling like a friend who I’ve known forever!
I’ve always loved the connection I fee with everyone, Judy ~ it’s really a two-way street!
Hoorah! A Willard AND a blog! I was making my wish list for Christmas which included the girlfriend bead and look it’s in the giveaway ! So thought I would say welcome home and thanks so much for sharing yourself and the new concept for hygging! ( the auto correct REALLY wanted to change that to ‘hugging’) Love you so, Melissa
See? Auto correct isn’t ALWAYS crazy! (Just mostly!)
Hi Susan, I’m thinking Hygge isn’t so much a Danish thing as it is a Branchish thing! 😉🙋🏻❤️
It’s a peoplish thing!
Thank you for giving so much hygge to so many. (Is it a noun? Adjective?) I’ll bet a certain little tuxedo boy is thrilled to have you home. I have his almost-twin, with a goatee instead of moustache. He makes me laugh every day. Happy holidays.
I think I used it as every kind of grammar there is. But in real life, maybe it’s an adjective, a descriptive word. But it’s a fun word to fool around with, I say, make it your own!
Welcome home, Susan! I so look forward to reading your blogs and reading about your life. Crossing my fingers for that ADORABLE teapot!! <3
👍
Dearest Susan,
Funny thing, I just read this blog and I was practicing Hygge today! I removed all my Fall items from my porch outside and yes it was cold and windy, but I was enjoying myself, raked off the leaves, pulled weeds from the paver stones and swept it tidy. I was going to put away my green gazing ball for the Winter and then I thought no, I will fill it with fairy lights and use it for Christmas decor on the porch, then I spotted my little fountain and had a brainstorm to sit the ball in the part that the statue sits on and fill the bowl with greens from the pines in our yard, some boxwood and rose hips and a few shiny plastic Christmas ornaments! It looks pretty good if I say so myself and I didn’t have to buy a thing and got lots of fresh air!! So glad that you are back and can get us all “in the mood” which is Hygge for the holidays! Love the give aways!! I always keep my fingers crossed!! Thanks for all that you do!! Hugs, Candice xo
You have the spirit Candice! Loved reading this!
Thank you for this post. I worked at the recount in Wisconsin today and needed some Hygge when I got home. My BFF and housemate had the best planned for supper. We made potato pancakes together. We used green and red Fiestaware and watched Peanuts and the Great American Baking Show. Gingerbread candles burning. Definitely a calming of the soul.
Welcome home!
Paulette
Perfect … how “real life” can be bandaged with just a wee bit o’ Hygge!
Home Sweet Home! Merry Christmas to you and Joe !
Thank you, Susan, for feeding my soul today! May you be blessed!
So glad you’re back and for sharing hygge with us. I think I just read about that in either Land Love or Country Living both British publications that I have fallen in love with. I hope Barnes and Noble never stops carrying them. I read them in my recliner with my Sam laying across my lap (just to clarify, Sam’s my dog), classical music softly playing, a hot cup of coffee made decadent by a heaping tablespoon of salted caramel hot chocolate mix (plus, dare I say it, some salted caramel creamer) and, if it’s cold, a nice soft afghan to wrap myself up in. I think that qualifies as a hygge moment. There are going to be some tough times ahead but we must never forget to slow ourselves down, turn off the media occasionally and sink into some hygge because we all can use a good hug. I’m sending one to you, Joe and Jack. Welcome home.
OH yes, that definitely qualifies!!!! Thank you so much Patricia!
Love your blog today on Hygge – Can’t wait for the Willard! Welcome back home from your travels. Lovely gifts for giveaway also. It took me forever to find Joe in the picture – his feet up on the chair! Ha! HA! so funny. Reminds me of how cats always seem to love to lay on the floors and look at everything upside down. Best of Holidays to you.
Love those “find a thing” in a picture games, Joe was perfect for that! Happy everything to you too Robin!
Susan: Your Hygges message is a beautiful start to the Holiday Season. Thank You! (very much! )
Welcome Home! ❤️
So happy you’re back safely! I sent your new Willard to a dear friend who was in a debilitating auto accident and really needed some cheering up! She now adores you too! I’d love to win so I could share more happiness with her. I hope your Christmas is a wonderful one with warm memories of family and friends!
Give her my best Yvonne! Hope you win!
Dear Sue and Joe
Welcome home. I have so enjoyed following your travels, and can’t believe how quickly the time went. I can’t wait to read all about it in your posts, and hopefully a new book. Post a picture of your red cross charity card, they are so charming. Whenever I receive a Christmas card from anyone in the British Isles it is a charity card. I guess that’s very.. English…. Please enter me in your drawing. I could really use a huuuuug today.
Thanks for being there for all of us.
Love Sue
((((((((Hugs)))))))) to you Sue-Sue! xoxo
Wonderful to have you back home. Take good care of yourself, don’t overdue. luv’ Barbara
Sooooo much love for this post, and for the concept of Hygge (for which I recently named my upcoming holiday open-housewarming gathering)…
Now more than ever we need to nurture and cherish that warm, cozy, conviviality we find with friends and loved ones… lighting candles in the darkness; keeping our hearts open and connected to dear friends, and the simple pleasures all around us.
Welcome home, and as always, thanks for the reminders to notice and cherish these moments.
♥ Carolee
Thank you Carolee!
Couldn’t believe my luck when I found a new post this evening! You are so right about making your home warm, cozy and safe. Leave the crazy outside. And the wonderful give-a-ways. Icing on the cake. Thank you for making me know that all can be well. If only inside my front door.
Tana
❤️
So glad you’re home with Jack. Have a wonderful Christmas !
As far as I’m concerned, one can never have too many tea pots or too many books. Hygge!
Thank you for the beautiful post. It was good medicine for my soul. I love the picture idea and I am excited to start a picture wall of my own. Much love to you from Oklahoma!
Welcome home! So happy you made a wonderful, safe adventure. How I would love anything you have to give. Thank you for giving us your love.
Thank you Marilyn!
This post was a hygge – to me AND a hyacinth for my soul. Tis the season for gifts of many blessings. Thank you!
Welcome home and thank you so much for writing this post–you must be so busy after the trip and with Christmas coming. It is just what I needed right now. It feels so good to get back to normal here!
I did not know you collected houses. By strange coincidence, tonight I watched the New Hampshire version of Chronicle (the Boston-based TV show). It featured a woman from Wilton NH who has a crafts business making small stoneware houses you can put a candle in. They are all based on old New England houses. Not cheap but wonderfully detailed. And then I read your blog. You can read about it and see her little houses on her website at stonewarehouses.com The houses are under ‘The Collection’ but be sure to read ‘About the Artist’. She reminds me of you, kindred souls. And you can click on a link to see the NH Chronicle piece–so interesting and I think you’ll like it and others as well.
Love the little houses Virginia, thank you for sending that. I don’t go out of my way to collect them, in fact I only have maybe six. But I love when I “find” one in a little store and get to feel my eyes light up! Those were just gorgeous little houses. I collect barn pictures too. So many interesting ones as we drive across the country!
I love your books and reading your blog. It suits my lovely life here in Georgia!
Hi there
Welcome home. It’s all there waiting for you, right??? I look foward to every one of your posts. You really know how to top off all the Christmas spirit!
All the happiest to you, Joe & Jack
xxoo
Yup, all still here! Thank you Sue!
What a beautiful message today, Susan. Hygge describes how I’ve always tried to make my home and you’ve been an inspiration for that for many years. I’ve especially appreciated your Christmas book with all of its celebratory, delicious, loving advice. So thanks for leading the way and also for this opportunity to win your wonderful prizes.
XO
Thanks so much Patty, always nice to hear from you!
Cozy here in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. Snow today….Christmas on the way.
Glad you weathered the storm on the seas as you left Britain, and arrived home safely. I love your Willard, my Great Uncle’s name….Grandson named Wil.
I look forward to your call, saying I have won!!! Thx for offering the excitement of the draw.
Lucky! Our snow, still to come!
Wow! what lucky timing to see a new post …
I just made the dough for potato chip cookies today and am going to bake them between calls at work tonight after 0200 hrs.
I turned them green this time as I am sending them as part of a Christmas cookie care package with a church friend for families we assist in Las Carretas and that she visits as often as she can.
I am glad you are safely home … sending hugs from California 🙂
SUCH a yummy cookie! Feeling those hugs Daralyn!
Loved your post. I agree, home is my cozy place. Am enjoying reading Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams and look forward to reading your other books too. Hugs and blessings to you.
Blessings to you dear Susan. Thank you for the hygge I feel through your beautiful words and pictures!
How I love to open my computer “mailbox” and see a Willard letter! One of my favorite things is reading your blog–I almost feel like I travel with you; there is always a quote or a recipe or something old that I like–I love all of your paintings and sketches–you remind me to take a closer look at the things around me, especially nature things. Thank you so much for remembering all of us in Tennessee. I live in middle Tennessee and not close to Gatlinburg but we have all been holding the folks there close to our hearts…and firefighters from all around have gone to help…and we’re all doing what we can do help out. Thankful and blessed!
They will heal, we always do, with a little help from our friends, just such a sad thing to happen at this time of year. Can’t imagine having nothing to Hygge! Sending prayers and a little bit more. xoxo
Interesting…. I’ve been committing Hygee for 55 years and didn’t even know it!!!🤗 Just want to thank you , Susan, for the years of art work and happy talk – they make the hard times a little better!! Merry Christmas!
LOL, love “committing!” xoxo
Oh, Susan,
I’ve been away for a while, but I’m so glad to be back reading your blog. I think I have a few hours of catching up to do.
Anyway, I loved your latest post. It’s so coincidental that you wrote on Hygge, because I’d first heard of it only a couple of weeks ago in a news blog. I was especially interested because my Grandmother was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, and evidently Hygge is a Danish word. I found this on hyggehouse.com.
“Hygge (pronounced hue-gah) is a Danish word that is a feeling or mood that comes taking genuine pleasure in making ordinary, every day things more meaningful, beautiful or special.”
I loved your photos! I’m a real dishtowel fanatic like you. I hang nearly all my clothes to dry on hangers and a round drying rack with slats that feed down to collapse the rack for space saving. It’s probably nearly as old a we are. I remember Nana using it in the little kitchen in our farm in Maine.
Anyway, thanks so much for this post and for the very thoughtful post that generated so much angst. We must all hang together to create as much Hygge as possible for our friends, family, and those we pull into our fold. I pray this nation will survive.
I was going to include dishtowels as Hygge, but I really could have gone on ALL day for this post!!! So much wonderful Hygge in the world! My prayers are your prayers. xoxo
Dear Susan,
Thank you so much for this very timely post. I really needed a Hygge! My mother had just called me this evening to tell me my uncle had passed away from a massive heart attack. It as such a shock, so unexpected. I had just seen him over Thanksgiving. So in the midst of the sadness, like a light shining in the dark, came the joy of your post. It really lifted my spirits and gave me a measure of peace. Thank you so much! I will definitely focus more on the Hygge in my life!
Wishing you all the love and joy of the holiday season!
Dana
I’m so sorry Dana! I learned just this year what a long, odd, sad, memory-filled, gratitude-feeling, love-forever kind of trip it is after losing someone you love. Hygge yourself for me. Sending love to you and your family. xoxo
wow, what a coincidence! I just ordered a book on Hygge!! It is on its way from amazon. Something I can use in the winters of Ohio
We need all the reminders we can get! Happy Ohio Winter Cecelia, happy Hygging!
Nice to be home again, isn’t it? Little Jack seems to like having you back home, too. I can’t believe you’ve already gone to England and have come back home again — it doesn’t seem like you were gone that long. Time is fleeting, and lately, boy is it ever! Glad you’re back. Enjoy Christmas!
It kinda felt like it to us, it was a long time, but then again, way too short, so whatcha gonna do! Happy to be home for Christmas!
Susan, Love the hygge that’s what makes a home so cozy to come back too. thank you for the drawing, I’m hoping for A Fine Romance it has been on my Christmas wish list. Have a wonderful Christmas.
You too Kelly!
Thank you for your lovely post, Susan. I love how you see joy in the little things of life. You always inspire and motivate us.
Love ya,
Emma
(in Grapevine, TX)
Hi Emma! xoxo
Welcome home! I love love the idea of a Doing Nothing Day.
Sometimes it’s the best Holiday of all!
What an interesting, beautiful and substantive post, Susan. It has to be a lot of work to put such a post together, and I appreciate it. I loved reading it. You wove in so many great examples of this concept of Hygge and your point is well made, in our current world, for this holiday, for this season; the stuff of our lives. Times for healing; times for remembering; times when we need to be soothed and to feel good or to feel better. To not lose what’s special. I drove by my favorite Christmas tree lot today and the huge truck from the Pacific Northwest was delivering the hundreds of trees, wrapped tightly, stacked one upon the other, readying to be unbound and stretch their limbs in all their glory, delighting young and old under the strings of lights around the lot. We’re cool here in Southern California…daytime temps in the 60s and 40s late at night…so it’s been feeling more like ‘the holidays’; like winter. I could smell those fir trees as I approached the lot in my car; it was heady. It smelled like childhood. And it was wonderful…
I see them on the roads, trucks with trees, cars with trees, and it’s always so festive! xoxo
love this post ! I think winter is finally here to stay now where I live, so we’ll be in the house more in the days to come. Some of these ideas are inspiring me…love all the coziness ! I also love star, and moon gazing…every night when I take my dog out before bedtime. xoxo
Isn’t it wonderful? Mini meditation! xoxo
Recently signed up for Willard again. I used to so look forward to it arriving in the mail. It was always a delight. Then I moved and got swept along in life. The years have flown by, and am so glad to have rediscovered your blog and books again! I am pretty sure that Santa will be bringing me some new books for Christmas. By the way, that teapot is Killer! Thanks for the lovely post.
Love to have you here Linda!
Thank you for your wonderful blog about “Hygee for the Holidays”!
It is very uplifting to read and remember to take care of myself, especially after a challenging workday. Love your books, website, blog & Willard.
Happy Holidays and Good wishes!
Same to you Ann!
Welcome home, and thank you for bringing Hygge with you. We can use all the Hygges we can get, what a delightful idea. China is out, tea kettle is brewing, kitties are waiting by the cream jug.
Perfect!
I’m sending you a big Hygee!!
Dear Susan, I loved reading your three books about your life and especially a Fine Romance! And your recent trip to England/blog was especially fun for me since I traveled to England in September 2016 and visited many of the same places that you and Joe shared on your blog! I have enjoyed your beautiful artwork and calendars, etc. for many years, but just started reading your blog. You are a treasure that I am so thankful I’ve discovered …. from your new devoted fan!!! Angie
Nice to meet you Angie! Thank you!
Happy Happy Joy Joy! You’re back and sound just wonderful. Maybe we should send the all of the world’s leaders on a cruise of the Queen MaryII. There is something magical about the healing waters of the ocean. I used to spend my childhood summers sailing off the Long Island Sound. Those were some of the happiest days of my life. Anyway…I digress… Thank you for getting our Christmas season off to a perfect hygge start. And thank you for sharing your recipies with such generosity. I hope my heart is as big as yours someday. Love, Nina
Lovely memories. It certainly clarifies who is boss when you are far out into the ocean… you have a lovely heart dear Nina. xoxo
the first time I read about hygge I thought of you 🙂
Well I definitely love that connection, thank you Ann!
Welcome Home Susan and Joe…..Sounds like you had a wonderful time!!! I love how you enjoy life and how special you seem to make your days of travel!! I can relate to your last blog post….love coming home to my little bit of calm after being out in the world. Candles….music….good books….netflix 🙂
Ahhhhhh!
Welcome home Susan … I have been away from your blog but I am so glad
to read and feel the hugs again … time to decorate for Christmas which began today … Aloha from San Diego, Evie
AloHA Evie! (My dad used to say Aloha-ha!)
🌺🎄🌺
Mahalo for answering; look for snail-mail coming your way❤️
Welcome home Susan! A big hygge to you. So enjoyed your beautiful post. Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday season.🌲🎄⛄️
Susan,
Welcome Home !! Now we can all have a beautiful Merry Christmas and a peaceful Happy New Year. I also missed Jack!!
HYGGE’S to you and Joe
grandma Glenda
Your Christmas book is part of my holiday display every year. Thank you for all the happy you have brought me over the years.
Merry Christmas
Hugs
Deborah
Same to you Deborah!
Happy December Susan!
I could not wait to turn the page on my SB calendar this morning when I woke up – it always inspires me!
Those little houses a-glow are lovely. Your words and quotes were just what I needed to hear to start the month with a bright spirit.
Thank you for everything and have a merry, merry time!
Be an Elf! xoxo
Hi Susan, welcome home just in time for the holidays. I enjoyed the new Willard as always and would love to win the updated ❤️ Heart of the Home ❤️ the sweet caged bird and the beads which would be a lovely addition to my Pandora bracelet. My holiday will be bittersweet this year having lost my beloved husband of thirty years in August. I know you’ll be feeling that loss as well losing your beloved father who we girlfriends enjoyed and miss. Happy holidays to you and Joe, treasure every moment you have together.🎄❤️⛄️
Yes Deb, but I have to say, for you, and for my step-mom, who lived every day with their beloveds, the loss has to be profound. I spoke to my dad every day, but I didn’t wake up with him. Wishing you the most wonderful of memories and a healing heart. xoxo Love and thank you for the important reminder for all of us!
Its so wonderful to have y’all Home Sweet Home! Loved all the lovely reminders on surrounding ourselves with warmth & happiness. Those little special things don’t cost much at all either. Tiny candles, warm throws, a cushy pillow, a cup of tea or cocoa, stack of books, flowers, a bowl of pine cones & leaves, photographs of loved Ones & loved Places. Some little Special Something in each room, so that when you’re in there brings a smile, brings comfort. Our world is so topsy-turvy right now we need all the Hygge we can get. And we need to share all of the Hygge we can! Just like you do Sweet Sue. All those lovely Hugs! You are our cup of Tea & Cucumber sandwiches. We love you for all you are & all you do.
Wow! That was fun trying to find Joe enjoying his Hygge! Took me quite awhile!
So again…Welcome Home Y’all! Welcome Home. And yes, black nightshirt with pink polka dots. Pink smooshy socks with black polka dots & a pink ruffly nightcap cuz’ ‘Baby it’s Cold out here in deep east Texas!
Keeping Tennessee & Alabama in our hearts, thoughts, & prayers.
I thought it might be like Where’s Waldo! Almost invisible there! Not like you, you could only hide in a pink and black polka dot laundry bag!!! Love you Kat!
Welcome Home! Jack’s reaction to seeing you….so precious…high emotion for a cat!
What a great time to come home…….cozy time of nesting, celebrating, and settling in for the winter 🙂
High emotion is right! I was honored!
So lovely to read your post. It is fun to create a beautiful, cozy environment with all of the Christmas decor. I haven’t put my ornaments on my tree yet but it is a walk down memory lane with all of the ornaments from my childhood and also for all four of my children (ages 31-20) and many other events commemorated with an ornament. I wish things outside our homes in the world weren’t so crazy but I do appreciate my little spot called home.
Ornaments are a lot like diaries! Little stories everywhere!
Susan – it was so fun to follow with you on your travels via Twitter but glad you’re back now with regular Willards just in time for Christmas. Your blog today was a reminder to step back and enjoy the wonderful simple things; old movies, homemade cookies (molasses sound good), snuggling / reading on the sofa with my English Pointer, waffles for breakfast (or dinner) with hubby, Christmas lights, connecting & laughing with friends and family, etc. etc. Also thank you for the awesome giveaway which the winner will be thrilled to receive. Hope you and all the friends of SB have a peaceful happy holiday season.
Thank you Sharon!
I enjoyed reading your post and learning about Hygge.
Hygge Holidays to you and yours!
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough”…don’t know who originally said this but it is fitting for the season. So grateful to you for all the cheer and light you spread with whatever you do. Please give Jack a little scratch under the chin for me…I’m missing my tuxedo kitties!
judith
I will do that, in your name, Judith, and feel happy doing it!
What a lovely warm post, Susan. A couple of those hygge books already live at my house and I’m having a good time seeing how much our life is already drenched in hygge – but there’s always more to learn and appreciate. I was checking over your list of favourite movies, and I didn’t see (though I might have missed it!) A Child’s Christmas in Wales – very hyggelig indeed, and just downright marvelous – definitely a must-see. We watch it at least once every year. In between that, and the old Tailor of Gloucester film (with Ian Holm), we’re on the way to being prepared. The first time we saw The Tailor of Gloucester was on Christmas Day many years ago, just following The Queen’s Message on TV here in Canada- another yearly must, from Queen Elizabeth II. Best wishes for a warm and blessed Christmas to you and all whom you hold close to your heart.
I’ve read A Child’s Christmas in Wales, but somehow I didn’t realize they’d made a movie out of it! Will keep my eyes open for it! Thank you Dianne!
..oh,oh !!..”A Child’s Christmas In Wales” is one of many treasured traditions in our family..as well as is the movie !!!..yes, you all need to see this movie…a must see !!.. ‘such a joy !! <3
Susan~
I feel like we’ve been friends for such a long, long time. Beginning with Country Living Magazine and the 1st printing of Heart of the Home to these modern days of tweets, blogs and and all things digital. Through it all, thank you for so generously sharing your talents, loves, travels and your life itself with any and all who ever dreamed of such a girlfriend that books are written about her! God bless you. And your Joe, too. Welcome home!
~Anita
It’s been 30 years, just this year, Anita … we’ve seen a lot! Thank you for your kind message!
Hello Susan.
I am so happy to follow your blog. It makes me so happy. I was born in New York, so I’m an American citizen, but I grew up in Norway, so I’m Norwegian too. “Hygge” (means cosiness) is a Norwegian word also. I am glad you are back. Have a nice day. Big hug 🙂
Thank you May!
Dearest Susan ~~~ ah! Hygge ~ funny old world when what we have lived all of our lives as ‘normal’ suddenly becomes the fashionable by word and suddenly there’s no room on the bandwagon! I prefer what your Mom called it but it’s good to have a word that is globally recognised too.
Some of my hygge comes from my collection of wool and tapsetry blankets. I have many now, from all over, including some that belonged to my Nanna.
There couldn’t have been a better thing to wake up to this morning, finding a link to your new entry in my inbox. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy in my tummy as I eat my breakfast toast and drink tea, and what can be more hygge than that?
~~~Waving from Across the Pond~~~Deb in Wales xoxo
Hiiiiiii Deb! Love to see that blanket collection, can only imagine!
Welcome home Susan and Joe! Reading this blog post and the Willard with the the tree lights on, candles flickering and soft Christmas music playing in the background was such a cozy treat! Your writing evokes feelings of serenity and reminds us to take the time to enjoy the little moments. Thank you for sharing your travel adventures as well as the little daily rituals you have on the Vineyard with us. You have a gift for reminding us to embrace those around us and the importance of creating cherished memories in simple ways. Thank you for all you do and create! You have a gift for touching people through your writing and artwork, and I am grateful that you share it with us. Wishing you and Joe a beautiful holiday season filled with an abundance of blessings!
Thank you dear Dorene. xoxo🎄
So good to have you back home, Susan.
I’ve just completed taking a series of drawing and watercolor classes. I am hooked, and you are such an inspiration. Just wondering though, how many times have you dipped your brush in your tea instead of your water cup. I caught myself doing this the other day and had to laugh about it and then thought of you.
Merry Christmas .
Linda
LOL! Too many to count! So funny you would mention that! Yup, that’s what happens! Have fun Linda!
Gosh Susan, what a lovely post and reading all the comments afterwards is just so hygge I can’t help but have a smile on my face! My dearest sweet sis-in-law has just flew down for my Girls Christmas Gala tomorrow night so I hygeed the house up big time for her visit. Three solid days of decorating (I’m sure my boss wished I work this hard) has produced thee most decked halls the electric company is sure to send me a Christmas card! I have to thank you, everytime I finish reading one of your post I always feel so inspired, you say so much of what’s in my heart and than reading all the precious comments afterwards is proof that’s we’re all one, we’re this wonderful community of hygeed makers! Sweet!!
LOL, it’s not work when it’s your house! Nothing more fun than piddling around, making things sparkle for the holidays. xoxo Hygeed Makers Unite!
Oh — that teapot! Are you sure you can part with it? I’ve been in such a mood what with all that’s going on in the world. Finally made a breakthrough today when shopping at a nearby nursery’s senior discount day. Found a lovely variegated leaf plant with a lavendary scent in a bright red pot which will go onto my window-box. The place managed to insert a few rays of Christmas spirit thankfully. Came home and got out THE Christmas cutout cookie recipe for the annual decorating party with my kids coming up. Managed to find the top of my sewing table and put upon it some adorable fabric with funny cats for making potholders for everyone. I’ll use some more of your red fabric for binding. Today’s blog is another blast of Christmas Hyugge 🙂 Thank you Susan.
Sounds perfect Sylvia, balm to the soul. xoxo
What a wonderful cozy post. Perfect for this time of the year. We have lots of candles around in our livingroom and we light them all and the Christmas tree and just enjoy. We call it ambience But I kinda like the Swedish word too. Same thing, just more worldly. I make quilts too, and have so many, I think that is my Hygge. Happy holiday season to you. Looking forward to more beautiful pictures from you. The blue sky above your house is stunning. It really is all the little things that mean so much. I guess Jack kitty is glad you are back. Happy day to you.
Just like knowing lots of words for love, it can’t hurt to know lots of words for cozy! You make quilts so you make Hygge! Quilts just make any room so much warmer. I even put one in the kitchen, just because I love the way it looks.
Thank you for this post. Of Joy and Hugs. So glad you two are HOME safe and sound. Mother Nature has ravaged a small part of our state but will replenish it as well. The lives lost have met their eternal fate and may God have mercy and grace on their families and friends. Come to Gatlinburg and give that nestled mountain city love as rebuilding is needed; just as this Post has me. Love to you and yours. May the wonder of the Holidays be yours.
Sending love Pam.
Loved this post so much, Susan! So glad you’re home, doing all the happy things you do to make life pretty for us all. As usual, I’m totally looking forward to Willard arriving in my inbox! PS: Love that little cat-boy of yours!
Just reading your blogs make my “Days Sunny & Happy and of course, HYGGE”. Glad you both returned Safe.
Wishing You & Joe A Wonderful Christmas and a Happy & Adventurous New Year!
((((BIG HUGS))))
((((BIG HUGS)))) right back at ya Helen! xoxo
We need more people reading your words. You put a smile on my face and warm my heart! Happy holidays!
Thank you Monika!
Happy Holidays Susan! You are a big “hug” to us all and always have been. My most favorite gift under the tree that I ALWAYS look forward to is your calendar. Welcome home!
Thank you Laura!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Your blog brightens my days and reminds my heart to choose joy. With sincere gratitude for all you do!
Oh my goodness, this was such a cozy post! Love every beautiful word!!
Welcome Back! Truly enjoyed this post. It has made my day Extra Happy!
Glad to hear that Helen!
This blog makes ALL things warm and cozy! I’ll check for Willard …I have signed up but have not gotten it yet…unless I’m doing something wrong(which is highly likely!)
LOL, I know how you feel. But it takes about 4 days for it to all go now…so if you haven’t gotten it by Sunday night, let me know!
So lovely to have you back! I adore your bathtub.
It’s so old, but just perfect because the water comes right up to your neck!
Great time of year to get our HYGGE on!!!!! ☃🎅🏻 although as you said anytime you need an elf hug is a good time! Thanks for the inspiration Susan!😘
Yup, we like to be the home of year-round Hygge!
Susan, I just “discovered” you! I’d like to ask where have you been all my life, but instead I will say you popped up just when I needed you most. Thank you! And isn’t that just how life works when are eyes are open to it?
Always in the nick of time! 👏 xoxo
Susan:
This post was just what the doctor ordered! Thank you.
Glad you liked it, Happy December!