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.💝
Merry Christmas to you! Thanks for sharing your joy!
Welcome Home! Your intermittent notes were so appreciated. I have decorated for Christmas and my husband just shakes his head but in the end he appreciates it. I caught him napping in the chair under the glow of the Christmas tree just yesterday!😊 Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!
Hygge all over him! Lucky man! xoxo
Thank you, on behalf of all your girl friends this morning, for the biggest and warmest group hug I have ever been a part of. Putting the tree up this morning to the sound of Christmas carols. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
To you and yours DeLynn!
It is always fun to find a new post on your blog. I love your hugs!
You’ve introduced us to a new word, that for me, it just the one I’ve been looking for. I guess I have stumbled through and found hygge in my home. Owning a home was a long time coming for me……..not till my mid forties. But now everyone who comes and visits mention that there’s just “something” about my home. Cozy, comfy………are often mentioned………..but they also say its just “something”. As I read through this post Susan I was struck by the fact that I’ve done most all of this for my husband and house and guests, but not so much for me. I’m calling now for a massage appointment………….and going to take time for me! Many many heartfelt thanks and blessings for you!!
Love to hear that! 👍
Love reading your books. I especially loved A fine Romance.
A friend loaned me her copy to read before my trip to England and I loved it so much, I bought my own copy before my trip.
Susan, what energy you have! You arrived home after a two month+ adventure only to have a dinner party, write a new blog and get Willard out~I’m waiting anxiously for mine. Thank you for this blog…it gave me energy just reading it! I’m off to take all my books 📚 off my living room bookshelves and dust them😳Xoxo
Now that’s a job I’m “saving” for February!
How often do you dust your books and bookshelves? Mine were as dusty as could be!
Not often enough, they are the true nightmare of dusting!
I literally had to zoom ALL the way in to find Joe in the picture – too funny! I love this post – it’s good to remember the little things that make a life.
So true!
Me too!
Decorating my home now, for Christmas…..all Hugge up!
P.S. I had to look three times to find Joe!
This was EXACTLY what I needed to read today. This year, in general, has been pretty blue. It’s easy to get bogged down in the horribleness of life and forget all the little joys that come with the every day. You have also inspired me to have a Jane Austen celebratory birthday dinner and movie night in the backyard on her birthday (We’re in Florida so cold won’t be an issue). Thank you again for this beautiful post!
Thank YOU Koreena, for your beautiful response!
LOVE!
“Hygge” I have been hearing more and more of this new word and what a wonderful meaning. We need more of it, especially with the crazy world we are living in. So glad to have you back home and will be looking forward to hearing all about your fantastic trip. Clydene
I have lots of cute things to show!
Love, love, love this post, and love the “HUG” philosophy. Our home is so sweet and just right for me and my hubby. Our cozy “Golden” cottage is a castle of joy and peace.
Blessings,
GG
Aptly named!
So happy to hear you are both home safe and sound with sweet Jack. So look forward to all of your posts.
So glad you are home safe and sound just in time for “Christmas Joy”……
Always enjoy your blog. I am not a writer, but I do love to read! Thank you.
Sandy from Short Tract………..(named after Mr. Short who originally owned this tract of land………the town, not me!)
Ha ha!
Thank you as always, Susan, for spreading your Christmas cheer!
A little Hygge is JUST what I needed today as I’m finishing up stressful grad school finals. Made some tea, turned on the Christmas music for background ambience, lit a Hot Buttered Rum candle for good smells, and now I’m getting to work writing all about children’s literature and homeschooling with the help of libraries. Merci!
My pleasure! xoxo
What a cheery posting to read on this fine December morning ~ You transport us all, Susan, to a place of warmth, love and comfort, and inspire and encourage each of us to do the same, in our own ways. Thank you (once again) for speaking from your heart on issues both large and small. Your brave honesty a few weeks ago remains amongst my most valued touchstones following the election. Cheers to you, and Happy Hygge!
Thank you Kim, I’m still worried, but at least I said my piece. And now peace. xoxo
A lovely blog that was certainly needed ! Thank you Susan!
With much appreciation!
Patricia
Happy to have you here, Patricia!
Susan you amaze me with your energy. Arriving home and already having not only your Willard out and to us, but also this lovely blog post. Each time I read you I find myself thinking surely we must be twins, and as I read through the other comments, I think I am whatever the term is for being like a bazillion other people! We are all kindred spirits here I think! (Thank you Lucy Maud Montgomery and Anne!) I think you are the Queen of Hygge! I am so grateful now for the canoodling season where we can wrap up with our blankies and cosy up by the fire with our hot cuppas and good books, and in my case, a crazy cocker in my lap looking up at me with those soulful eyes, while the smell of cinnamon cookies baking wafts into the lounge from the kitchen. Yum. I am going to get fat. What a way to go. The world might be going crazy, but we don’t have to go crazy with it. I like to think of my home as my own little Temple, a haven from that crazy old world. All the nasties are refused entry at my door. My next six months will be helping my husband through his treatments and being grateful for whatever we have with each other. Being loved and loving, that is all we need. I think the Beatles had it right! All we need IS love! Oh, do write another book. Pretty please with sugar on it. I am wearing the ones you have already written out with my constant re-reading!! (I confess even my husband enjoyed A Fine Romance. I was not surprised!) xoxo
“Canoodling Season,” still another good word for it! Love to you darling person. Always wonderful to hear from you. Go give a little canoodle to your husband from me. xoxo
Thank you Susan for a lovely post. Snuggled here in warm pjs.
Kathy
YAY for Hygge!!!! It’s EVERYWHERE! I think I first learned about it two years ago from a fellow girlfriend I met here on your blog (!!!). Now my librarian friend sends me links to all the Hygge books the library is collecting and blogs are springing up….but you are right — Hygge is the very thing you write about on the blog all the time! And your books are filled with it! Glad you are home safely and stepping into the Christmas season!
Most Dreamy Blog! Love it and will re-read it as I have been “Hygge” ing myself and my home after my husband passed away this past Summer of many years of Alzheimer’s, :(. Me needing lots of Hygge, been working on just this, how timely! I love everything you do, your delicious Tea, your blogs, your books, your paintings, writings, just all of it. Appreciate so much being able to tweet along your most recent trip to U.K.! What a treat, I would check tweets first thing in the morning, so fun and thank you for your effort and work to do that for us all! You are the best! Much love & hugs! ❤️💕🏡 Amie
Yes, you do Amie, I’m so sorry! Must have been really hard. Love having you here, happy Hyggeing, I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of it in my lifetime! xoxo
I don’t know if you will get this – but I will try. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. My husband had Frontal Temporal Dementia for a number of years before I lost him 4 years ago this month. I wrap my arms around you and wish you strength. Don’t be afraid to live the memories you had together as they will give you happiness – even through the pain. I will be with you in spirit, Amie. Hugs…. Pat Johnson
I love your blogs. So cheerful and upbeat.
Hi Susan!! I first heard about hygge a few months ago, and thought to myself that your blog is the definition of hygge 🙂 December is the perfect hygge month, and I love your Christmas suggestions!! Thanks for sharing your happy, hygge gene with all of us!!
xoxo Debbie
Hello Susan….so great to have you back, and thank you for the Willard! I can’t wait to see the posts that you will be doing about your trip, as you mentioned. Please also include me in Vanna’s drawing….I don’t have your updated Version of Heart and Home yet! I would also love the bird…..my genealogy research told me that part of my family is from England, so someday I would like to make a trip just like you did!
Thanks again for everything, Holly
So glad you are home, safe and sound. Truly excited about the new giveaway. Hope you pick my name.
I know Vanna (our resident name-chooser) will do her darndest!
Welcome Home Susan and Joe! Thank you for your Beautiful Willard and Blog and for spreading Christmas Cheer. Love the new word Hygge! Can’t wait to sit by the fire tonight in our cozies and sip an “old fashion” while watching our favorite Christmas movies.
Blesses Holidays to you and Joe.
Debbie R From Valencia, CA
Life is good Debbie!
What a lovely post and excitement over the giveaway. Happy Holidays.
Happy Hygge Holidays Susan!
Blessings to you this most wonderful of all seasons! We have just moved to a new place, only been here 2months so I’m working hard to make our new home hygge! I left many good, good friends behind and have yet to make new ones here, so it’s more important than ever. But best of all, our dear Savior’s birth is celebrated this month,and what can be more hygge than that!
Welcome home! I can think of another Hygge that you missed … reading your blog! It brings such comfort & joy. Just what we need now more than ever. Thank you Susan. <3
Hello, dear Susan, we are actually having some fall weather here in the Austin area…..leaves turning yellow (we don’t get much red or orange…boo hoo…oh, wait, be grateful for the yellow and the cooler weather, right? ha!). Thank you for the post…..you knew we all needed some “hygge” or better yet, HUGS, after all the turmoil of the last year+. And, what wonderful giveaways!! I think you will realize just how many girlfriends are out there by all the replies you will get.
I’m baking cookies today with Emma, a lovely 14 year old, who wants to learn more about baking and decorating. She’s such a joy and we get to “play” for a couple of hours on Friday’s…..and then eat what we have made. It’s really great to be able to pass along the talents that God has given me.
I’m looking forward to spending this holiday season with you, Joe, and Jack. So glad you are home, even tho the trip to England and Scotland was very lovely. Love, Rachel
Hygge is everything you do Rachel, teaching a 14 year old to cook, what a WONDERFUL gift. You are amazing. xoxo
Hi Susan,
So glad you are home safely. Would love to sail to Europe on the Queen Mary some day. Such beautiful pictures on your blogs. Thank you for the wonderful, thoughtful quotes and drawings.
I think we must be kindred spirits as I too enjoy my home and house work, doing dishes by hand, laundry, ironing, I find peace and gratification in these tasks. So thank you for sharing your life, your blog and art always make me smile.
Welcome home Susan! I had a nice visit to the Vineyard in late September/early October while you were away. I have a question about Holly Oak which I did find on my visit (don’t worry I just drove by and didn’t bother the owner). I am curious why she changed the name and did she happen to give you the “Holly Oak” sign? From one islander to another Merry Christmas to you & Joe!🎄💕 Aloha, Mary from San Juan Island
No, the sign was part of the house… I haven’t seen a name change…not sure about that! If she did, maybe she did it while I was away! Merry Christmas Mary!
What a lovely post: thank you so much:)
Welcome home!!! And I did look long and hard and finally found Joe! Looking forward to hearing more about your trip. Have really missed your posts!
What a delightful blog to wake up to this morning:-). Hope you’re finding ‘jammie’ time too!
I found Joe! Thanks for writing this and for spreading love and light, Susan.
Yet again, another lovely blog! Thank you for all you do to spread warmth, love and kindness! A very big Hygge to you and yours!
“Cozy” over the top!! Love your warm words on this very cold day.
Just read my “Willard” for December and was so uplifted with joy. Thank you Susan for making life just a little more special!
Amen.
I have always had the thought that we should make our home, family, and community as magical as we can.
Spreading some cheer,
Kiki.
Just your name alone spreads cheer Kiki! Seeing it always makes me smile!
I really enjoyed this post. You have given us so many ideas for a cozy life at home. I love being at home and even though I do love traveling there is nothing better than being at home cozy and comfortable. I love the feeling you get when you come home from a long trip and get to sleep in your own bed. Now that is cozy! One of the coziest thing for me is drinking a hot cup of cocoa and watching a good movie while it is snowing outside. Yay even though we don’t get much snow here they are predicting some for this weekend. Yes life can be so good when just staying home.
I’m so glad you are back! I need some Susan Branch in my life on a regular basis.
I am planning a mighty hygge transformation of my messy dining room this weekend. All the weaving supplies will be put away until after the holidays (though weaving is really, really hygge!) The Christmas tree will be put in its spot and decorated much earlier than usual. I am going out now to buy some gifts at my local small businesses. I think I’ll try to find a small something to put on my desk so that I can feel that hygge even at work.
Welcome home, Susan.
Love that Christine…work is probably where we can use the most Hygge!
Love getting Willard. Like getting a letter in the mail. Read your blog, but there’s nothing like a letter
Lovely words for a blustery day here. Welcome back!
I’ve just read a book about hygge and thoroughly enjoyed it. I think I have been hyggeing for a long time though as I bought Danish real wood furniture for my home over 30 years ago from a secondand shop and we still have it today. Love to snuggle on the sofa with a good book and some knitting or sewing. Giving hygge handknitted socks as gifts this year to my family.
Hi to Susan and Joe—thank you for embracing us with your perpetual heart hugs via your uplifting posts. When you were en route to England on the ship, you said you slept with your Dad’s watch and what a comfort it was—so touching and meaningful and certainly relates to this current post. Glad you are both home safely, but with such wonderful photos and friendships and experiences and sight-seeing—memories to savor forever. Home is sweeter, too, and we all find solace and sanctuary there no matter how fancy or humble. I often tease my friends about my teensy weensy downsized home and say “You can stand in the middle of my house and turn a complete 360 degree circle and “poof”, you have seen the whole place!” No matter the size, it is just right.
My other house was tiny, and what I loved about that was how little of everything I needed, like wallpaper and paint for instance! Love to hear from you Bev! xoxo
Love this post! The first thing I do when I get home from work is turn on the twinkle lights & light candles. It does make things cozy.
I’m glad you’re home safe & sound! I enjoyed reading your blog today and learning a new word. Merry Christmas to you!!
Last night I watched an old Jeannie Crain movie called “Margie” snuggled in my bed with my two dogs under the covers. This movie always makes me laugh as she keeps loosing her bloomers and getting her man while doing it. I am glad that I was able to recorded it off AMC back in the 90’s and recorded to DVD 10 years ago. For this movie is not out on DVD or Bluray. I highly recommend it if you can every fine a copy to watch. That was my Hygge.
I have one! I don’t remember how I got it, but I’m with you all the way, just adore that movie! xoxo
I remember this movie from when I was a kid and PBS would have a classic movie on every Saturday night. I recently found it again on YouTube and LOVE it! It was one of those things that I remembered so happily but not entirely clearly. I was happy to find that the movie was as good as I’d hoped!
Thanks for the tip. I am going to look for it. Xoxo
Good Morning!! Your blogs are so cherrie and uplifting. You decorations are an inspiration that I get ideas from, Thank you!!
What a wonderful blog and Willard. I just don’t know where to start because there is so much to digest, think about, feel, see, etc. Let me sit here for a few hours and soak it all in. You have definitely given me ideas and put me in “the mood.” I don’t know in which direction I will go with all you have given us, but I will begin now and see in what direction it takes me.
Blessings Cathy, you are in for a lot of Hygge. xoxo
Love the bathtub photo…makes me want to draw a hot bath RIGHT NOW!
My one word Susan is “Bliss”. It was blissful to meet you and Joe in England. Welcome Home! Rosie ♥
XOXOXO Thank you for being there Rosie!
My most favorite way to spend a Hygge evening is to soak in a bubble bath while reading (or re-reading) one of your books! The ultimate in Hygge! Takes me away from any worries and troubles to the wonderful inspiration of finding beauty in the simple things in life! Thank you Susan!
Beautiful post as always. Do you ever wonder what are cats are thinking when we are gone?????
I always wonder, and hope they are not really thinking at all! 😢
Wonderful to have you back–hygge is a new term for me, but the sentiment is the same, and I’m glad today to have the reminder. So glad to know you and Joe are home again, safely. By the way, thank you for sharing your thoughts in that recent post–so many thoughts and feelings I share with you. Most of us are on the same thought track with you–life goes on, and we’ll muddle through as long as we remember “hygge”.
So good to have you home because it means the “girlfriends” get more blogs! Have a blessed Christmas season.
Mary Alice
Welcome home Susan!! I loved reading your blog today! All of us need this “hug”- it’s definitely part of my life- taking joy in all the little things!! Your are such a wonderful inspiration! Thank you! Your give-aways look fabulous!! May your heart be filled with joy this Christmas season….and magic too!!
Loved your blog today, as always! Thank you!
Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas season. Thank you for the hygge (hug) today and sending one back.
Welcome home! Merry Christmas! Please pick me😘Barbara in Lodi
Hi Susan, I love this post and the inspiration it sparked in me. I’ve been decorating for Christmas and as I get older it’s too easy to cut corners and not put up all the usual trimmings because I ask myself if anyone will really miss them. But the truth is, I’ll miss them and the warm nostalgic feelings they bring, and I think my little family will miss them too. We certainly need all the cheer and coziness we can get at this time of year,we need a lot of Hygge to help us through. We need to pamper ourselves a bit more too, find those little places that warm our hearts and keep our sanity, make time for this. Most of us get caught up in trying to keep family and friends happy, we leave ourselves out, but really then everyone suffers. You put it very well when you told us what you do to find your Hygge, be it a holiday movie, cuppa tea or hot chocolate, warm batch of cookies, warm bubble bath whatever. We certainly can control our environment in our own homes and there is no better place for us to find such peace and tranquility. Thanks for such an encouraging post!
I’m new to your blog – I started reading it while you were on vacation. I’ve gone back through so much of it and am just loving every post! I also ordered and read your books in record time. I’m learning so much and working at making my house a home. I am loving seeing in words how I’ve felt for years about my home and being at home and now knowing that there are so many others out there who feel the same! Your blog helps me to slow down, relax and just be happy. Thank you!
Thank you Back, Rhonda, that was lovely!
Oh this is just what I needed today…a little “pick me up Hygge”! I just bought some lavender earl grey tea last night and it filled my daily cup this morning at 10 am…DELISH! I love seeing Jack in your pictures! I have a Bruce…who likes to knock my bulbs off the tree just to see them roll! Thank you Susan for such a great place to go off to and unwind!
Pax! Pax! Hygge! It must be a sign that your theme comes as we are doing a sort of “Scandinavian Theme” at our house for Christmas, in honor of the rich heritage in the Pacific Northwest. I found some lovely red-and-white bedding and curtains and dishes and a wonderful old knit Christmas stocking I am going to DIY into a holder for plastic grocery sacks (‘got to keep them handy after all, but Hygge hanging in the kitchen, no?). I think it is best to get into the Spirit and remember to spread love and charity and HOPE, sing at the top of your voice (at least as loud as November’s discourse!) and remember what Mom used to say: a hot bath will always improve your outlook. Love and teapots!
My heart skipped a beat when I saw my December Willard in my mailbox this am– YAHOOO! So I put Michale Buble and Frank Sinatra CHRISTMAS tunes on, wrapped my cold fingers around my cozy cup of caffe and read each word and adored each photo — what a beautiful, early Christmas gift you gave today- thanks Susan!
Just perfect! Hygge is just what I needed today. I am so excited to read your new post and to snuggle into hygge. I have been having a lot of this lately with my 4 year old granddaughter. We snuggle and love and play and sing our hearts out. This is what life is all about!
Thank you for reminding us about what is good and perfect and lovely about our lives. xoxoxo Sherry
Welcome home Susan and Merry Christmas! I have been slow to warm to the holiday but after soaking in your lovely blog I am ready to spread the joy! Thanks for being such an infectious, happy spirit!
Love this new word, Hygge. Totally get it. It’s been a difficult year to include the passing of my beautiful mother and moving. Although the new house is settled, I am still finding new ways to achieve Hygge in the new place. But truthfully, there is no bad Hygge attempts. It’s just “good, better, best”. LOVE that teapot. Thank you for reminding us of what really makes life grand!
Thanks, Susan, for the reminder to create our own sweetness on our own hearth when there is so much that’s not within our control. Enjoy these next cozy weeks!
Oh, it is SO good to have a new, heart-warming, long post from you today. I certainly missed you while you were on your grand excursion on the other side of the pond!
Love this post, and love the “Hygge” philosophy.
Wow, what a treat your blog is! The Danish also have the same word
for coziness! So lovely.
Welcome home! Home for the holidays! What did sweet Jack say (do!) when he saw you again?
Susan,
What a lovely post! I want to rush right home from work and get cozy with my sweet husband, who is home right now making us an apple pie.
On a cold, blustery day in Washington state, I’m feeling hygge: tea, watching Pride and Prejudice on the quilt covered couch while our lab, Callie, snoozes nearby. Many Hygge-kindred-spirits out there :).
Hi Susan! So glad that you and Joe are home and safe and cozy! It seems like the time has flown. The calendar turned to September and now we’re into December! Hygge sounds like the most wonderful concept! We all have to have the Hygge-est Christmas we can! This year I have this need to cocoon more, to curl up with a good book and a warm throw with one of our three Labs with his/her head in my lap and a cup of tea. We’ve already had a tiny dusting of snow here on Long Island. The geese have been flying overhead and honking as they go. Our feeders are filled and the birds are having their own party. There is something very magical about the Fall and Winter seasons. Nature is peaceful and at rest. I think we need to follow Nature and become peaceful and get enough rest. In our harried, stressful world we need to focus on the simpler things. Be well & be happy! Love, Karen 🙂
I feel like there are so many wonderful things to comment on and respond to from your last posts and Willard! But, I will choose just one…
I teach classes on things like Presidential, First Lady and White House history, classic movies and movie stars and British Royalty at retirement homes in my area. One of the favorite stories I share has to do with Harry and Bess Truman and their love of Old Fashioneds. Joe’s recipe in Willard reminded me of it!
When the Trumans moved into The White House, one of the butlers wanted to make them feel especially welcome. He thought of himself as an excellent bartender and when he wasn’t occupied with White House duties would sometimes moonlight at the best private parties in Washington.
This butler had learned that the Trumans liked to have a cocktail every night before dinner, their favorite being an Old Fashioned. Taking great care he iced the glasses, cut pieces of different kinds of fruit and generally went to town. When he presented the cocktails, the President and his wife thanked him but made no special comment. This went on for a few days with the butler trying harder each time.
One day, meeting with the Chief Usher of The White House (the sort of general manager who meets with the First Lady daily), Mrs. Truman mentioned that they made the strangest Old Fashioneds in the Executive Mansion. She said that they tasted just like fruit punch! The Chief Usher, recognizing a complaint despite how nicely it was presented, had a word with the butler. Naturally, he was more than a little put out. After days of trying to impress the new First Family with his skills, he’d utterly failed.
That evening, in a fit of pique, the butler put ice cubes in the glasses and poured big splashes of bourbon over them. He presented the drinks to the Trumans, expecting no more reaction than he’d gotten before. To his surprise, Mrs. Truman’s face lit up and she exclaimed, “Now THAT’S how we like our Old Fashioneds!”
LOL! Forget those oranges! Who needs those space-taker-upper cherries! Too funny!
Welcome home, Susan. It’s good to have you back!
Hello Susan: Glad you are back home; you seem so happy to be there. And, thank you for introducing me to “hygge”. I will be getting “hugs” from my darling grand-girls who will be arriving soon at my “cozy nest”. And below are some of the words to an Irish folk song which I just love. It is recently in a “Huggies” commercial.
Ah we all need a hug in the morning, and one at the end of the day.
And many as possible squeezed in between to keep life’s troubles at bay.
No matter where ever you ramble, our problems be great or be small.
It is my believe that for instant relief, a hug is the best cure of all.
I am feeling hugged and cozy after reading your post.
I love the picture with Joe in it! It made me giggle once I found him. I love all of your blog posts and thank you for reminding us once again, how important “home” is. I, like you, love making my home a retreat for me and my family. It truly is a place to escape to. The world is a crazy, scary place but home is our safe place. *Hugs* from me to you!
I love to see your blogs and newsletters. They are sweet inspiring and just beautiful to look at. I hope for all of us that 2017 is a peaceful year.
Susan,
I’m so very glad you’re home! I’ve missed you.
I am glad that you had a great trip, but really glad that you’re back where you belong.
I love to look at your blogs and newsletters. They are sweet, inspiring and just beautiful to look at. I hope 2017 is a peaceful year for everyone.
Thank you for sharing your Hygge…love that word…it kinda rolls off the tongue! My two kitties are mine, they love to snuggle on the bed. My little gray fluff ball even tells me when it’s time for a tummy rub with her little voice.
So have a Hygge Merry Christmas …and a glorious holiday season.
I know!! its crazy but I’m so happy that you and Joe are home!!
~ It’s been a wonderful journey taking us to Great Britain, loved and enjoyed every minute of it,but having you share your lovely home it is so generous and inspiring!! Can’t help to feel the Hygge 🙂
Because of you,this year in one of your book signing,I met a wonderful woman, that I can now call my friend,a kindred spirit,full of love, joy and so much fun!
~Thank you dear Susan for all that you give!~
Hugs and much love to you,Joe and Jack! xoxoxox
I forgot to add that ours husbands love your blog as well, ~we share with them what happens here!
A couple of months ago my husband surprise me with two of your books ! the 30th anniversary Heart of the Home and Christmas from the Heart of the Home! Love, love them! 🙂
Susan,
Thanks, as always, for filling my cup with your infectious joy! Hygge must also be infectious, especially if we share it with others! Your trip sounds like it was amazing and all of your readers anxiously await the details as you mete them out to us over the winter months. I can picture you cuddled in your jammies with your sweet kitty in your lap as you scribe the words. I also wonder if you and Joe walk out to the water’s edge some evening to view the International Space Station as it hurtles above earth at 17,300 mph. It’s been magnificent to see in the clear, dark blue skies the past two nights. Love to you and yours.
Welcome Home 🏡 Big Hygges to you, Joe and Jack 🤗 Thank you for bringing us along on your journey to the U.K.
Susan…I have all your books. I love them all! I spent many years on the central coast of California and lived in Arroyo Grande too, so I love reading about your time there. I now live in Montana (last 20 years) but SO want to see Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Cape Cod (bucket list). I hope you do write a book about your second trip to Merry Ol’ England…I would savor every word and visit there in my dreams. ((Hug)).
So happy you are home safe and sound. I’d never heard of the term “Hygge”, but now that I have, you’ve inspired me to embrace it! I’m starting with the beginning of my Christmas preparations this weekend. Can’t wait for the new Willard. Happy Christmas to you and Joe.
Welcome back from England. I went 2 years ago and adored it. I am hoping to go again in the next couple of years. Thanks for all your wonderful inspiration on my grey days. I buy your calendar every year, and it is so cheerful and happy, how could it not make me feel better? I will now include Hygge in my daily life, as I love the idea. Contentment is the best!
thank you for introducing us to Hygge. I very much enjoyed your blog today. Hope you and Joe have a wonderful, happy Christmas.
Dearest Susan,
As I sit here with a cup of English Breakfast I must tell you how much I always enjoy your blog. Now I need to read your Willard, which came this morning. It’s cold here on the Big Island this morning. Yes I said cold. 60’s. We have our floor heater on & all sliders are closed. (Sliding window/doors). We have no central heating or A/C.
I read the Jack story & it made me cuddle up to my kitties. Boo & Thackery Binx…. Binx for short. Thank you. It’s truly a Hygee day.
Thank you for reminding us of the precious things in life, whether big or small & how we must love & appreciate all of it. It truly is all a Hygee…. let us not forget. I don’t write much so will send you & Joe Christmas Blessings now.
P.S. Look forward to your memories in words & pictures on more of your trip
Mele Kalikimaka,
Georgia
Feeling more “holiday-ish” than ever with this post and the new Willard. Thanks for getting me in the spirit!
You are magical Susan! Have always loved your Christmas postings. Thoughts, creativity, delightful photos of the Martha’s Vineyard and of course your love of life that comes through it all! Just to say it again since both of my previous responses were waiting to be moderated: You said it all perfectly. Thank you! Enjoy being home with your dear Joe, mischievous Jack and all your local girlfriends! Merriest of Christmases. Love!
So sorry about the moderation! I hope it turns up soon Christine!
Susan, you certainly are an elf! Thank you for an uplifting, positive post!
Susan,
AAHHHH you just put a song in my heart with the blog…..Loved every picture and word. Must admit I have a weakness for the dish towels on the drying rack…just sit looked at them for awhile. Love you