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.💝
I’m staying in a hotel with my 16 year old daughter who had a very disappointing swim at her meet last night. At four in the morning she talked in her sleep, clear as a bell in a raspy voice, “it’s not fair, I work so hard.” I told her on the way to drop her off at the pool at 6:30 am about what she said in her sleep and how it broke my heart. In a little while this disappointment will be over, but it always hurts when your kids hurt. Plus she’s only four years past twelve… thank you for your hug of a post, it was just what I needed.
Ahhhhhhh. Isn’t that sweet/and sad. And only four years past twelve. Oh. give her hugs for me. xoxo
Love this post! I have been reading a little about Hygge and I really like the way you pronounce it. Glad you and Joe are safely home and bet the kitties are happy! Merry Christmas.
Like Thomas Edison said, “There ain’t no rules around here! We’re trying to accomplish something!”(((((((Hygges)))))) to you Debbie!
HYA guh….I have to say it and say it so I don’t forget. When we were little my mom used to have a New Word of the day (I think it was in the newspaper) and she would say it and use it all day long (and sigh, we were made to use it too). But it was to increase our vocabulary. So today my new word for the day is Hygge. I’m having an open house tomorrow and was just heading to the store to pick up a few items….I will make it homey and comforting and full of hygge! I’ve already selected teas, my holiday tea mugs and wine. I will make sure that there is something for everyone. My dear friend, Kim, says I have the Lord’s Gift of Hospitality. Maybe it’s because my house is very imperfect but welcoming! I make sure people feel welcome. So happy you’re home and things are returning to normal. Pick me, Pick me, Pick me! Oh, gosh but I would love it so.
I like your mom’s rule! I could have used a bit more of that! Sigh. Arf and Arfy only! Love it, “The Lord’s Gift of Hospitality.” It’s a gift, and a gift you can give the people you love.
So great Willard post! Thank-you!!! I just put up my small tree in my office at work, and am looking at it now. Thanks again, Karen
I love this post! It’s going to cold (for Texas) and rainy this weekend, perfect to get the Hygge going! Let the hunkering down begin!
Welcome HOME!!!! As much as I have enjoyed your tweets and blog posts, you have been MISSED!!….Thank you for YOU!!!….for being all that you are!!!!
What a lovely post! Thank you Susan!
Welcome Home Susan and Joe! I am sure Jack is thrilled! Love the inspiration you send. Sending you a HUGE Christmas Hug from Wisconsin!!!
Welcome Home….I looked very close, but couldn’t find Joe? Did I miss something?
Two hints, there is a computer in this picture, there are also legs and feet!
Glad you are home safe and sound and with the cats!
Thank you for sharing these thoughts. I have had some tell me “you always were such a Suzie Homemaker” as if it were lowly or beneath them. But I believe who you are at home is who you truly are. I love reading about your appreciation for the little things. I can not help but feel uplifted and inspired when I read your blog. And Willard. Hugs to you for sharing your thoughts, ideas and how you feel about the little things.
There is nothing more important than home, no matter who you are, or where. xoxo
Merry Christmas!
Treese/Colorado Cowgirl.
LOVE reading your blog! I was married within the last two years – and I desperately want my home with my husband to have the spirit of Hygge! Lots of inspiration to be found here, thank you for sharing!
There is NO doubt in my mind that you will have all of it Charis . . . may all your dreams come true. xoxo
Welcome home Susan. I’ve missed you even though I checked each day you were away to follow your travels. I enjoy more than I can say being with you & Joe on the wonderful adventures that you have, makes me feel like I am there in person. Thank you for your wonderful insight into life & the world at large. Keep up the good work!! Wishing you, Joe, & yours a Merry Christmas from the Jersey Shore!
Same to you Barbara, happy Christmas to you and yours!
Dear Susan,
Please realise that (to me) your middle name is Hygges…. ( I think I’ll pronounce it Huggies), because you are such a sweet dear, giving out lots of huggies through your pictures, stories and words etc. I am now going to re-read the story of the darling Jack, and I’m hoping our dear sweet ginger cat Emily will join me, and I;ll be having a cup of tea and a SB carrot cake cupcake to go with it.
I made the gingerbread cake, with lemon sauce last weekend, and its a huge new favorite with my boys! I think I’ll need to make it again this weekend, haha!
Thank you for sharing this wonderfull give-away!
hugs from across the pond
Nicoline
XOXO
Love you Nicoline, will always remember us hanging out on the picnic blanket. You are a darling person! xoxo Happy Hygges!
Welcome home Susan! Thanks for the wonderful post! I am very pleased to hear about Hygge. My sisters have often teased me for decorating/”cozzying up” my living spaces even when I travel. I have to drag along my bed pillow, a soft blanket, one of your books (especially when I have a new one), candles – the list goes on and on. Yes I usually travel by car – I don’t want to think what I’d have to pay to fly that much luggage. Now when they comment I can just tell them it’s Hygge – it’s a “thing” they should look it up! Many hugs and best wishes for the holidays!!!!
Right, it’s a “thing” which means, YOU are the normal one! 😀 xoxo
Love reading about your travels!
Your blog is my Happy Place! Thank you for sharing your adventures with us – and bringing us along!!!
Love having you back with all the Hygge and Christmas cheer!!!! It feeds the soul and we all need that. Merry Christmas!!!!
Dear Susan! Welcome home and thank you for your wonderful blog; such a joy to read and savor. I am going to have my teenage/college girls read it. Higgy is definitely welcomed in college dorm rooms:) You would adore my daughters; the youngest one (17) is our Christmas elf and hand cut over 700 gorgeous intricate white paper snow flakes over the years and hangs them from her bedroom ceiling with fishing line so it looks like a winter wonderland to take your breath away! God bless you and Joe and know that you are very loved this beautiful magical season, Caroline Woodard
How adorable! Hugs to the snow flake girl, and to all of you and yours this wonderful season! xoxo
Welcome home, Susan! I am looking forward to reading about your trip in detail one day, a la ‘A Fine Romance’. 🙂 Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Welcome home Susan! And Joe ofcourse! love your blog, candles, little lights in the windows. Love this season!
I’ve got little stars hanging at my windows, and in an old porselain teacup I’ve put a tealight, gives beautiful light.
My tea goes in a big mug (made in England :)Paddington Bear with a little ‘taaipopje'(kind of gingerbreaddoll ( it’s Sinterklaas-time, at 5 december, we have “pakjesavond”, everyone gets a gift/ or the kids toys, and a little poem, very cosy, with pepernoten( little round cookies), Sinterklaas: he’s a kind of Santa, brings them by a steamboat along with al the presents from Spain)
Lots of love from the Netherlands!
Willemien
Thank you for all that darling information Willemien… just loved reading that! Sinterklass! xoxo
Susan, I was introduced to you by a favorite aunt of mine who sent me your Girlfriends book one year for my birthday! I read it cover to cover several times and fell in love! Thank you for your lovely illustrations, your heartwarming stories, your love for all things vintage, and for inspiring all us girls to enjoy life and notice all the little things that make living worthwhile! Gotta go shopping for my new SB calendar now!
Thank you right back Linda! xoxo
Welcome back to the US. Looking forward to your pictures & details on your latest trip.
Greetings! Thank you for being the voice of calm and reason. Love that you always remind us of the joy and hapiness of everyday life. Happy you two made it back safely. Hope you will write another travel book. England one of may favorite places. I used to go every summer before I was married. Still go just not as frequently. Best to all for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Natalie
Same to you Natalie! Were you ever in England for Christmas? We got just a little taste of it.
Yes! 1987 or 88 I believe. In Brighton. The streets were all lit up in blue and white lights and it was a little icy out but not dangerous. Christmas in England is the best. Love the Christmas markets that small towns set up. Mostly I went for a month or two in the summer. I have a pen pal from East Sussex. We became pen pals in second grade and are still friends after all these years.
Lucky you! We got to go to two Christmas Fairs, most were opening after we left, but we loved the ones we saw! Your pen pal lives in a beautiful place!
Merry Christmas. This year I’m finally excited for the joy of Christmas. Thank you for all your elfieness.
My extreme pleasure Eugenia!
Hi Susan so glad you’re home! The post today was just the boost I needed. We’re in the middle of a move and I’m surrounded by boxes. It was starting to get to me. Now I have fresh “Hygge”! It doesn’t matter what it looks like around here. I’m excited and refreshed. Thank you
Oh dear, moving. That’s a big one. Good luck Arnette, this too shall pass! xoxo
I’m moving too ! In the in between time, I’m living in a maze of packed boxes and half empty cupboards. I managed to keep out one string of lights to hang somewhere in the mess. We need to keep telling ourselves that this time next year we will be settled in our new place and all will be well. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
First Christmas without my “Boys” home Christmas morning this year. I told my bestie I probably wouldn’t decorate the WHOLE house, why bother. Then I started going through my decorations, so many wonderful memories. Maybe a few would be nice. Hours later as I walked from room to room, I smiled. The look on my husband’s face when he came home said it all. I created my own HYGGE and didn’t even know it. Merry Christmas Dear Susan.
Sometimes we just can help ourselves!!! xoxo
..well, good morning !..happy holidays !!..what an adorable post !!!.. “hygge”.. I keep trying to pronounce that word !..not easy.. I even went to youtube for more help..lol…wouldn’t it be so nice if we all practiced hygge..it’s so easy really..it’s the simple, little things in life that bring such comfort and joy !! ‘so glad, Susan, that you and Joe are back home and enjoying spreading that good old hygge cheer…as you know how to do that so well…forever grateful !!!!
I think more and more of us do … it gets so it’s the only answer to the question of staying sane! 😜 Love you Mary!
..yes, of course, an importance of keeping our precious sanity..after all, we are the normal ones !!..thanks Susan !!..we all love you too !!! xoxoxoxxo
Happy to know you are home all safe and sound. Your posts are so comforting! Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!
Same to you Sherry!
Welcome HOME, Susan!
I LOVE the pictures of the Sky…blue and puffy with clouds…dark and sparkly with stars! I use to stare into the heavens at night when I was a little girl and just WONDER. Wherever we live or whatever our life situations, we ALL share this Glorious Canopy…cozy homes or burnt ruins…we are covered.
That’s HYGGE!
xoxo
He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds.
He counts the number of the stars;
He gives names to all of them
Great is our Lord and abundant in strength;
His understanding is infinite.
Psalm 147
Lovely Beth, thank you!
Beautiful, Beth…we ARE ALL covered ♥ A joyous Christmas season to you and yours!
Perfect words from Psalm 147
Hi Susan! Love all the visuals and your celebrating home, beauty, coziness — all that entails. My Hygge is decorating my home to reflect my own creativity (and using many good ideas I’ve gotten from you!); and caring for Gene and providing the most poetic, literary, artistic and stimulating environment I can. He is so very precious to me, and everyone tells me I’m doing a good job! They tell me he looks wonderful because of the love he is getting, and that makes me feel good. It’s not hard, because he is such a determined and brave person, and such a gifted artist. I love what we are doing together! I also love coming here for glimpses of something I don’t get anyplace else. You have inspired me in so many ways. You have such a generous heart. The gifts you are giving are beyond generous, and I would feel honored to have any of them. Thank you so much for all you share, and in the process making “our” little world a more lovely place! I’m still wandering the English Countryside through your photos and videos! Much love to you and Joe! xoxo
Thank you back Jane! Always wonderful to see you here . . . I’m lucky to have you, and there is no doubt that Gene is the luckiest guy in the world.💞 You are a good girl Janie! xoxo
Janie! I love that!! My dearest, favorite maternal (since we only have one!) Grandmother, who helped entertain me when I was little, and Mom wasn’t feeling well, called me that first — then two favorite aunts, and my cousin asked if she could because it reminded her of her mother! And Gene began it right out of the shoot!! So welcome to a special club!! 🙂 Thank you for your kind words! xoxo 🙂
That’s supposed to be chute!
Glad to have you back! Sounds like HYGGE is a lot of “living in the moment” which is something we all need to do more of.
Welcome home! What a wonderful post this was: I love the part about Hygge and I think it is the perfect description of the December month, with all the festivities and family time! And what a wonderful giveaway ❤❤❤. Thank you for sharing the love!!!
Beautiful..happy..fun post Susan! Thank you! Happy that you are home too! Merry Christmas to you and Joe and your darling kitty!
Thank you thank you thank you! I have said it before, but you know JUST what to say to remind us of what is most important. This just made my day!
Dear Susan,
Thank you for this wonderful post — I am now inspired !! Happy everything to you, Joe, and your sweet little boy, Jack.
Sending prayers and more to Tennessee …
Barb
Same to you sweet Barbara!
Lovely post! I first learned about hygge on a trip to Denmark years ago, and I’m practicing it right now with cinnamon toast and tea in bed!
Perfection!
I am Happy Susan and Joe are Home…thanks for this wonder-full post…your give-aways are lovely…I would be Blessed by either of your offerings…here’s hoping…
Susan,
I’m so glad you are home and glad you have a name for what I am feeling today. Hygge–it’s a perfect description!
Cecelia
Lovely post and so good to have you home and back “on the blog”. I am sure you are getting your daily share of kittie kisses from Jack and trying to make up for all the ones you missed while you were in loverly England. Have a very, Merry Christmas time of year. THanks so much for the give-away. I know all the girlfriends are both secretly wishing for it to be them and cheering each other on for the drawing all at the same time.
Well he is definitely getting more kisses than he ever dreamed of from his mom! Making him even more squirmy than usual, but we are a mutual admiration society (I tell myself!). xoxo
Hello Susan’,
Was waiting patiently for the new blog and now my cup runneth over! Thank you so much. I know you have been super busy since you have been home. Love all that you do. Used one of your ideas last night. I had a pretty little cup which I wasn’t using and it makes a gorgeous holder for a votive. My husband even noticed it when he looked up from his sports show .Yea! Sending warm and cheery thoughts your way! Robyn
Cute husband Robyn! And cup too. xoxo
hi susan!! and welcome home!! and greetings from our new digs in sunny Florida!! We have been here 59 days and right now especially it is nothing but HYGGE all through the house. Moving lock, stock, and barrel is daunting enough but facing the holidays in a new place and not knowing hardly anyone with family far away has been a bit of a challenge(sound familiar?)…..however…..we are taking the high road and HYGGING IT UP all over the place!!…..decorating, singing,watching old and new Christmas movies, beautiful Musica…baking and passing out goodies to mostly unknown neighbors( but know them now!!)…cooking yummy comfort food and mostly spreading as much cheer as we can. I was at Barnes and Noble for a book signing the other day and they had a cute display of some of your books and even the monthly shopping list/sticker package, so I took it upon myself to introduce you to several ladies that had not known about your wonderful art, books, calendars, stationary and blog, etc…..(how is that possible I asked myself!!!!)…. They were delighted to find you…..and I was delighted to be an elf……. so your HYGGE blog post hit in here at the most appropriate time for me….lifting my spirits and reminding me of what is really important…living in the moment and be filled with gratitude for the blessings of life. So happy that you and Joe had such a tremendous journey filled with great memories and that you are home sweet home safe and sound. Thank you for the lovely words today…… and HYGGE THYSELF!! love always, cindy
ps…gotta go anyway…the Christmas tree just did a nose dive!! Not to worry…we are on it!!!!!!!! XOXOXOXOX
It does sound familiar, very good Cindy! Soon it will get better. Especially with your sweet Hyggeing and sharing attitude! You make a very cute elf, those people are LUCKY to have you around! xoxo
Thanks so much….your posts always inspire me! Merry Christmas to you and Joe!
Great post! Makes me hygge my home more. Pleasure in just being and loving all that surrounds me. ~Happiness & Smiles~ to you.
Such a sweet gift to find! A new blog post from you is always a treat. Thanks, Susan!
It’s the best way to live your life. Hugs to you Susan.
Welcome Home Susan
How lovely to read your Hygge blog on such a grey day that we have here in the east of England. I got really excited about Hygge last year when all the books about it came out, only to find that when I read them, it is what we Susan Branch followers like to do anyway!! Such a lovely blog from you for this cosy time of the year.
Well, thank you Jane! And say hello to the beautiful East of England for me today! Love having you here!
Goodness sakes, I missed you and your updates when you were on your jaunt to the U.K. I love your blog and it is a bit of hygge (which my iPad wants to auto correct to hugger)….a soft spot to land in a tough world.
So nice Jeanie, thank you!
That is so true that one can make a cozy, welcoming home even if it’s just one room..I bought two little wooden white chapels today.. with lights inside..our little granddaughter will just love them when she comes home for Christmas! I’m working on the ‘coziness’ big time..little village houses made from cardboard, painted and with tea lights in them..thanks for the imagination Susan!
You’re the one that has it Terry, thank YOU back!
So glad you are are safely home! Thank you so much for packing us in your suitcase, we enjoyed every moment, from my birthday picnic on September 18 to the curvy country roads and wonderful buildings. I could just taste all those delightful meals and loved all the precious moments with the girl friends and Joe! Happy Christmas to the person who brings sunshine to every day! I cant wait to pre order my new trip to England book!
Lovely to see you back here on Terra Firma, Miss Merry!
Been following you from the beginning — years ago! Had the pleasure of meeting you in Bakersfield a couple of years ago. Love your style, dear Susan.
Thank you Diane!
It is so good to have you home again and helping us create our own Hygge in our homes. You are so right that we can control our homes and make them places of love and friendship. Like your Dad and my Mom always said, It’s a simple matter of attitude! With that piece, you have the essentials. It is funny how easy it is to forget that keeping our lives simple allows love in and hate out.
I am so glad you are home again to help me and other GFs on how we can make our homes a reflection of what is in our heart, and an anchor to a peaceful place that welcomes both friend and stranger. Nobody does that better than Susan Branch with her paintbrush!!
Oh thank you, but I do think I’m speaking mostly to the choir here, it’s just a very fun and positive conversation to be having with kindred spirits! xoxo
Susan, where did you get the green tea set in your photo? It’s absolutely beautiful. I would love to find that for myself.
I actually gave that tea set away, I think maybe last year, as a giveaway on the Blog. I love it too, but now I have these wonderful photos!
When I sit down with my afternoon cup of coffee in my favorite cup and my favorite kind of peanut butter cookie to watch my favorite cooking show, I’ve been known to exclaim, “Utopia!” Which makes my daughter laugh, but also, I think, inspires her to create her own Utopia.
ANOTHER perfect word for it! Utopia! xoxo
I’ve been Hyggeing for almost 20 years without realizing there was an actual name for it! After an unexpected divorce, serious illness and the death of my mother (all within a year) I was left to figure out how to make my new life work. Tops on the list was to learn how to take care of myself and treat myself with love. After 10 years I left the home I had been in for 30 years and moved into a studio apartment built over a barn in the country. I simplified my life and started from scratch – slowly collecting and nesting to make my new home truly “me” – and welcomed many friends to enjoy this new phase of my life. I surrounded myself, and anyone who visited, with warmth and coziness. Through all seasons I made it unique and lovely – to the envy of many of my married friends (who wanted to stay there whenever I left town!) Thank you, Susan, for giving a name to what I long-ago discovered and for sharing your love for making a home more than “just” a home! I believe we could comfortably exchange abodes for a few days and both be completely happy! Merry Christmas and Happy Hyggeing!!
So nice to read your story Lucinda! Happy Hyggeing to you too! xoxo
I’m still not sure I’m pronouncing “hygge” correctly, but I love it just the same. This past fall, I found the treasured needle in the haystack…I found both your original Heart of the Home and Vineyard Seasons in a used bookstore. Each just $4. SCORE! I find so much inspiration from you, Susan. 😊
LOL, that’s wonderful Carol!
Sounds like you’re “snug as a bug in a rug” Happy you’re safely home!
Hello, Susan and Welcome Back HOME!
Your antique teapot would be perfect with my Burleigh Red Calico dishes! The red and black at quite complimentary. I enjoyed your “nesting – Hygge” Blog today. Home is important to my 6year old Granddaughter who visits me often. I try to establish a lot of Hygge for her. She already understands it.
Thank you for all you do.
Kind regards, Ethel
Six year olds are wonderful that way!
I can tell you are very happy to be home and that old saying is so true…”there’s no place like home!” Lovely to savor every word you write! Welcome home Susan!
xo
Dear Susan–what a pretty tea pot–I need to go shopping for “ME”.
That’s a new one – Hygge! Thanks for sharing a little something from your trip. Can hardly wait to hear about ‘the rest of your fabulous trip.’ I bet you’re glad to be HOME for the Holidays. Hope you and Joe have a very Merry Christmas… from me and my Joe!
So nice to have you back. Hygges back at you. Hygges for everyone!
Welcome home Susan and Joe! Reading your blog and the new Willard helps me jumpstart the season. Thank you!!
Welcome Home! Thank you for the heartwarming post. Jack looks so content/comfortable on the bathroom rug. Merry Christmas to you, Joe and Jack.
Your trip sounds so wonderful!!!!
Thanks, Susan, for this beautiful post. It helped to lift my spirits and remind me that the effort I put into making a cozy home really does matter.
It softens all the rough spots that life gives us. xoxo
My husband and I recently downsized from a four bedroom house to a two bedroom apartment in another city/state. Some people we know were so ‘concerned’ that we were making this move from a large metropolitan area to a much smaller population area: they thought we were giving up so much!
It was hard to explain to some people just what we were doing – and now I have the answer – I can tell them we are doing a hygge! I will have to explain that – but I love the sound of that word – and what it means!
We got rid of the clutter of life – we are surrounded by the things that mean the most to us – the old dishes, cozy chairs, special paintings and pictures, books, etc. The wonderful grounds crew takes care of the lawn and flowerbeds – so we don’t have to and we can take long walks near the edge of farm land and see the mountains in the distance – enjoy the birds and the ponds nearby – and come back to our lovely little apartment.
I totally enjoy your blog, Willard and ‘tweets’ because they are like additional reminders that life IS good – and that is what counts!
Although I’ve never met you in person, I feel as though you and I are kindred spirits – along with all your other fans/friends of course! Such a nice feeling!
Thank you for making us all stop and remember how good our lives really are!
Good for you Rosanna … we only have this one life, time is everything … Hygge it the way you need it to be! xoxo
Somewhere or another I read that YOU read EVERY single comment! As I cast my hat into the ring with this 500-somethingth message…..I stand in awe of Miss Susan. At what point will you slump over your computer and cry, “I simply cannot read one more lovely word!!!” You really ought to win some sort of medal or at least get one very large star in your crown. 🙂
I do, because if you take the time to write, the least can do is read. I love them too, I learn a lot! Thank you Cindy!
So glad you are back and enjoying your lovely home.
Welcome Home ! So glad you had a good journey and so glad you are home. LOVE the idea of Hygge – cozy turned up a notch. Thanks for another shot at a giveaway…would LOVE to win the tea pot. I am hosting our library department meeting at my home for the December meeting – so everyone can be cozy, discuss our agenda in front of the fire, and I promised the girls it would be a “Twine” – I had to explain that, but once I did they were thrilled. As you said…want to enjoy the decorations, the music, the cozy…..and share it with others ! Hugs to you…and thanks for the encouragement to BE AN ELF !
I want to be there! Love to you, making the world a better place! xoxo
Welcome home, Susan ♥ I enjoyed your travels, but I’m so glad to see you back and celebrating all the joys of home ♥ and this glorious season. Have a very Merry Christmas!
Same to you dear Mari!
Susan,
So glad you are back. I missed your blogs. Can’t wait to hear about your Downton Abbey trip. You have the best ideas and I love reading about them. Keep it up. Sheila
Thank you Sheila, Downton was quite interesting, very beautiful and historical too.
Welcome home Susan & Joe! I have your original “Heart of the Home” book from 1986 that I bought while living on the Vineyard and owning our inn. It has aged beautifully over the 30 years and the pages show little splashes of love from making so many of the “delish” recipes! Over all these years I have had HYGGE from all of your books, calendars and all your blogs,willards and all of the love and inspiration you have shared! I would so love to win your new book, and teapot to add to my teapot collection that I so love…..and then the charming birdcage! Oh my, I would be the happiest lady ever!!!
You’re entered Lara! So nice to hear from you! Thank you!
Susan !
Your blog found me in a hotel room outside of Cleveland…oh, how glad I am that it did !
Later today, I shall drive through the rain to return to all the pleasures that you mentioned.
Your words and images will help push me along the Pennsylvania Turnpike to Virginia.
Be safe Karen! xoxo
So glad you and Joe are safely back at home and just in time for the most hygge time of year! Loved your post. I had never heard of that word before, I LOVE it and all it implies. Cannot wait for my Willard to arrive, maybe today ♥♥. Susan, I was wondering if you could tell me who the maker & pattern name of the beautiful bed linens is? (in your photo) they are just gorgeous. Well I must go make some pancakes, and watch Roman Holiday! Love you, and xoxo and many prayers to Tennessee ♥ P.S. Kiss that Jack boy for me!
Have had them for so long, not sure anymore. I’ll try to check when I go upstairs! I know Jack will follow me, will give him that kiss!
A very Big Thank you for checking for me, you are the hyggeiest ♥♥
Love this duvet, will wash it and use it until it turns to dust, but I’m sorry, Sharon, the tag is gone, I probably already washed it off!
They have the most elegant faded charm look, that’s what attracted me. You can tell they have been well loved (& cared for). Thanks again Sweet Sue for checking ♥
My pleasure Sharon, sorry I wasn’t more help! xo
I recently read the book, “The Year of Living Danishly” and learned about “Hygge”. I love how you pronounce it! Your post has inspired me to carry on with my goal of getting rid of clutter and making my home more hygge. Even though I live alone, I’m beginning to realize that I deserve a cozy, comfortable home.
Yes you do… good for you Deborah!
Happy cozy season!
This post is superb!!! I will take heed and re-double my cozy home/shut out the outer world efforts.
A very Merry Christmas my friend! The prize for me today was your magical blog post. It came at the perfect time to help my bruised spirit. Friends and I had planned to attend what was described as a “Christmas Home Tour” in our area. My heart was rattled when we discovered that there was more of an emphasis on displaying the large homes and very little on the sharing any delights and wonders of Christmas. (Bigger does not mean better.) Your reminder that Home is the most wonderful place on earth made me feel grateful and inspired. Full Christmas festivation is now well underway! Music and cocoa and the warmth of the things and people I love the most! Welcome home! Thanks again for the joy you share with the world and love to you, Joe and Jack!
A very Merry Christmas my friend! The prize for me today was your magical blog post. It came at the perfect time to help my bruised spirit. Friends and I had planned to attend what was described as a “Christmas Home Tour” in our area. My heart was rattled when we discovered that there was more of an emphasis on displaying the large homes and very little on the sharing any delights and wonders of Christmas. (Bigger does not mean better.) Your reminder that Home is the most wonderful place on earth made me feel grateful and inspired. Full Christmas festivation is now well underway! Music and cocoa and the warmth of the things and people I love the most! Welcome home! Thanks again for the joy you share with the world and love to you, Joe and Jack!
I know just how you feel. I would take a little house any day. I like real too, not foo-foo.
Welcome home! Listening to remembrances of the San Bernardino attacks and reliving all the heartbreaks and losses of 2016. As the year draws to a close, thankful for all of the love, kindness, and friendship that people still show to one another no matter what the universe throws to us. Wishing you and all the girlfriends a happy holiday season and a blessed 2017.
Oh yes, we do have so much to be thankful for, and so many prayers to send. Here’s to a better future! xoxo
good morning Susan – re: “The Holly and the Ivy” Brit Christmas cozy movie – I sent you a separate email, with hopefully a link where you can download the film….do let me know if it was a success….if it doesn’t work, a friend can do his techno-magic to make it happen…..you will enjoy it for so many reasons! Pot o tea, slippers, a fire and “The Holly and the Ivy”……you can watch it on your computer or with a cable to your TV from your PC…..
again, let me know if the link works for you, through the separate email …..
ciao, Regina
Got it Regina, thank you SO much!
Welcome home and merry Christmas! I was excited to see your new blog. Enjoy being home.
Thank you for this wonderful message from your heart, as always from your heart! You’re a marvelous person who brings great, good cheer. I am mesmerized by you and by your writings, by your art work, by your golden and loving heart, and by your outstanding and adorable example! Thank you for sharing your life, your dreams, and your loving spirit!
Oh Marion! You are so sweet. Thank you for the kind words. Sending love to you and yours 💝 xoxoxo
Glad you are back!
Last weekend a new friend invited me to go to see a comedian who was performing in a nearby town, and I looked her up on Youtube, and she was just so mean! Really mean, and I said oh thank you for offering, but no, I think I’m going to stay home this weekend, and cook some good things to eat and set my house to rights, light the candles and put on some music and maybe watch old movies while I pull out a few Christmas things, and take a bubble bath and read a good book. I felt cozy just saying it! And he said, “Oh god, you’re such an OLD LADY, that sounds HORRIBLE, what are you talking about?” And instead of being offended (though I did start to rethink that new friendship!) I started laughing and just could not stop. He thought I was insane! But it felt so good to say to him, “These are the things I love!” And I accept this about myself. And it makes me happy. It feels so good to be at peace with oneself, doesn’t it? And if he ever bugs me again, I will just say, “I’m HYGGE, baby! It’s the new “in” thing!” And then he will REALLY think I’m insane (and maybe leave me in peace to knit.:))!
We have to be our own chaperones these days Melissa, good job! LOL, love your “plan!”
I’ve been a very long time reader, but I’ve never commented before. But I just wanted to say how much happiness your blog brings me. I grew up in Massachusetts but live in Southern California now, and I really miss the seasons in New England. (My husband, baby daughter, and life are here, but I still miss Boston, the south shore, foliage, snow days… Seasons in New England!) Every month, I read through your blog posts from previous years for that month – so right now I’m rereading all of your December posts from previous years. It helps me feel the seasons, and I enjoy it so much that I’ve been doing it for years now. I’m so glad that you’ve been posting a bit more often recently. I completely understand that your book took up a lot of time (I really enjoyed it, and time well spent!) and you deserve a vacation as much as the rest of us. It always brings a nice little ray of sunshine to my day though when I find a new blog post, and it has been wonderful to read them a bit more often recently. Thank you for sharing your lovely sunny approach to life with your readers!
Happy to have you here Katie. I’ve always wondered how someone brought up with seasons could stand to live without them. Lots of people are glad to get away from the snow, but I could never be one of them. I need that bit of magic every year to remind me how wonderful dreams really do come true. Thank you for your sweet comments … we’ll have snow soon and I’ll be sure to show lots of pictures!
Welcome home!
Oops – there was a mistake in my email address! I know the odds of winning are slim, but I want to correct it just in case. 😉 Thank you!
I’m glad you did Katie!
Oh, how I needed the quote in your email – “Most important to remember: It’s not what’s on the plates that counts, it’s what’s on the chairs. Your friends and family. A party is a gift you give the ones you love.” I am hosting the baby shower of our Godchild and am full of angst about menus, décor, etc.
That statement will be given aloud at the party as a reminder to us all that it IS what’s in the chairs that matters.
Don’t be Angsty… just think of the senses, make something to appeal to each of them, do your best, then sit back and enjoy the GIFT you have just bestowed on the people you love. xoxo I know you can do it Laura! xoxo
Reading your blog is soothing to my soul. I always take a break around 11 AM during the work day to drink some tea and read you blog. It is a meditative “reset” for my day. Thank you for spreading the joy!
Elevenses! Is what that’s called. Tea at 11! xoxo
Welcome home! Thank-you for your lovely and inspiring thoughts. Your personality is very uplifting, warm and down right cozy. I am relaxing this morning-sipping homemade cocoa, sitting by the fire, and looking forward to breaking out my candles, twinkle lights, holiday linens, quilts, books, movies, etc. I think a bubble bathe is on the docket, too.
Enjoying your holiday recipes with my family and excited to hang your new calendar when we ring in the new year. Thanks for sharing yourself, your gifts and talents with all of us.
Happy December!
Thank you Sydney Ellen!
Welcome home and Merry Christmas! Looking forward to your “travel posts.”
Your angel chimes remind me of my mother-in-law. She had one that my daughter loved. After she passed, my daughter asked for it, but we couldn’t find it. When I saw yours offered in your webstore, I got one for her. It wasn’t her grandmother’s original, but it brought back the memories. She was thrilled!
Special blessing.
So sweet! Yes those little tinkles have lots of Christmas magic in them! xoxo
Welcome home Susan and Joe <<>>!
Welcome Home, Susan! The love and coziness you put forth into your home really does spill out into this lovely blog- I always feel better once I visit. Thank you and Merry Christmas from Pennsylvania xo
Clare
Thank you Clare!
So happy you are home and back with darling Jack. My little Faffi whimpers with joy, even after a quick trip to market.
What a timely post, on this cold Colorado morning. I’ve been Hyggeing (?) all my life and didn’t know it! I have found that I need that cozy feeling more and more these uncertain days. Light the candles…pour the tea…and put on Perry and Nat…fa la la!
I certainly hope you decide on a book for this last trip. We missed you, and need to hear about your adventures. Beides, your books are the hyggeiest. Take care, welcome home, and love on that boy Jack.
A Fine Romance is the only one of your books that I don’t have yet! I put it on my Christmas list for this year. Love your blog ~ it always lifts my spirits! You touch the lives of so many people.
Hope you win Rhonda!
Welcome Home Susan and Merry Christmas! Hygge has been a way of life for me for a long time, it truly is the best.
I needed to read, experience this post this morning. thankyou, thankyou, our hearts beat the same, our homes are a refuge, to us, and all who enter. a place of warmth, hygge, laughter and joy in the simple things we share. it helps me remember and confirm the things I love and that give me comfort and peace. we lost a kind police officer in a shooting in our town this week, the sadness is felt by all and again, we are reminded of our fragile lives and that we must live, and live each day well.
thankyou for letting me share
Oh, I’m so sorry. I’m always amazed at the job they do, and what their families must feel as they put themselves in harms way every day. We owe them so much! Thank you Cindy! xoxo