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.💝
Thank you for the latest Willard. I can’t wait to try the Cranberry cake. You’ve also inspired me to start a diary again. I used to write a diary many, many years ago. It might be fun to start one again since I have trouble remembering what I did yesterday. 🙂
Doubles your pleasure! xoxo
Glad your home safe and sound. Haven’t heard of that word but cozy is good!
Thank you sweet Sue!
As for me and my house…we are putting 2016 in our rear view mirror-although I’m sure it will follow us around for the next four years…at any rate, I’m “Hyggeied” up to the tenth power after reading your great newest Blog! …Pulling out my Christmas serving dishes today and getting them washed up. Pulling all my spiced teas to the front of the cabinet. Burning a new candle in the kitchen (wonderful!) and getting the pet stocking hung up…we have a very spoiled little mini schnauzer we adore and she can hygge you up just by looking at you, ha,ha. Well I’m off. Christmas is calling! P.S. Is Joe making his awesome wreaths this year? Need pics of the man in action-how does he do those!!! Big warm, cuddly hug to Jack boy.
I think he will make us one, we have lots of berries on the holly trees this year!
What a gift this post is! Thank you for all the brightness you bring.
Welcome back….it’s good to have you home….
I had to enlarge the picture to find Joe!!! and after I did it was obvious, the laptop in the air….
We are expecting our first “measurable” snowfall this weekend….I hope so, because we are packing up to spend Christmas in California.
It’s always good to go home for the holidays, for that is where all of family lives, but I don’t want to miss the peace of the first snowfall…
Merry Christmas to you and Joe…and of course the kitties…
xoxox
Hi Susan!
Enjoyed reading your inspiring post!
Glad you are home safe and sound!
Ahhhhh – so nice to have you home where you belong. You’re lookin’ swell… oh – maybe that’s me running down another road, haha. But it is always wonderful to read your uplifting, inspiring posts. I always used to say that I needed “home to be a haven” and for many years, that mostly meant the people in it being kind to one another. Then, I was on my own for a few years, and I found that to make my haven, I needed to surround myself with “pretty” – I painted the walls a light coral, and decorated with all the things I loved. So when I came home to an empty apartment, it didn’t feel empty – it felt like it was filled with love. My haven. That’s just the feel I get from reading your blog today. Thank you.
Thanks for teaching me a wonderful new word!
Dear Susan,
Thank you for this post. I have 4 grown kids ( and 4 grandkids) and I have 4 adopted kiddos 6,5,4 &3 and multiple pets. This is a rare moment when everyone is sleeping or away.. I am ignoring the stuff on the floor and the washing machine calling my name! I put on nice music, lit a new candle and made a 4 th cup of coffee.(I usually stop at 3!) so nice to enjoy home!
Blessings to you!
Hyyge! I must train my auto-correct to like that perfect word. Before I met your books and then found your hyyge blog, I was a fan of Swedish artist Carl Larsson. It feels like a full circle. Like a hug.
Can you tell I’m delighted? 😀
My blood pressure inevitably goes down when I read your blogs, Susan. They are to be treasured and savored. Many thanks! And Merry Christmas!!!
I love the teapot. I can imagine myself have a cup of tea and admiring my new teapot. So glad you made it home and you are sharing with all of us.
What a wonderful hug you’ve given us! Many hugs, in fact. Welcome home and thank you for wonderful gifts from your heat. Happy Happy and a Merry Merry!
Thanks for the reminder that.its a good thing to shut the ugly things in the world out and enjoy the things that give us comfort. I feel better already!
Never heard that word before. Love how you word fully and visually defined it. Happy Holidays everyone.
Luanne
Its good to have you back on your blog. Your trip sounds heavenly. I so want to visit England, Scotland and Ireland. Love your new word!
Hi Susan,
Just read your, as always delightful letter, but was puzzled by the word hygge. I am an American living in
Sweden for the past 28 years, with my wonderful
Swedish husband, and I never heard of that word before. So, I looked it up, and lo and behold, it is a Danish word. Just thought you might like to know.
Wishing you a very God Jul, now that is Swedish for Merry Christmas!
Great writing and great advice! We are having a grey day and I have already had my tea and have begun to read a new book. I have to got to visit the fabric store this afternoon but that will be a pleasure since I am a quilter and love fabrics. I am concentrating on the good things in life and trying to be positive in negative times. And I did my small, local shopping on last Saturday and my fabric store is local too. I bought The English Home Christmas edition and will enjoy it this evening while I read it and sip tea!!!
A big hug for your lovely Higgy story!!!
I think I will printbit so I can read it every time when there are problems around.
Welcome home Susan and Joe.
Greetings Trudy
I’m stealing your word Hygge and using it in a class I will be teaching tomorrow. It will be perfect!
So glad you are home safe I’ve missed your blogs. Jane and I share a birthday, Dec. 16 th. We went to her house 2 years ago and loved it so much. It was because of A Fine Romance that we knew where to go. Also went to Winchester Cathedral and saw her grave there in the floor. Loved it all. Also, took a copy of your book and gave it to my England girlfriend, Janet. She loved it. So thanks for all your inspiration. Hugs to you. Connie
Lovely post. Thank you.
Dear Susan,
Everything we all need right now is in this blog. Thank you for posting.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
Hope you are having a wonderful day. I love the new word. Home is just the best.
What a beautiful post! Loved all the coziness and warmth of it. It’s getting chilly here in Kansas, finally, so having hot tea and warm blankets sound wonderful. Many blessings to you.
Your give-a-ways are so hygge! Luv!
I love reading your blog Susan. I have never commented before so HI THERE EVERYONE!!!
I rode in one of the suitcases to England with you. It was crowded but we had fun. I was the old lady trying to get a dance with the captain. I also am very glad to be home with my very own captain here in St. Augustine, Florida.
Thank you, Susan for coming into my home with your kind words and sweet ideas and wonderful illustrations.
GrannyAnnie♥
Don’t worry, your email is fixed, and love your comment, loved you on the ship, you were adorable!
Are you sure you can part with that wonderful teapot?? It’s lovely. Barry’s Gold Blend tea is my favorite. A good cup of tea makes everything better. Enjoy your holidays and the Hygge-ness of it all!
Good thoughts to keep us grounded especially at this busy time of year.
Dear Susan,
This all just spoke to my ♥heart♥…. I’m glad to find a “kindred spirit” here~ 🙂
Wonderful just wonderful! And a l-o-v-e-l-y giveaway!!
Love & blessings,
Aurélie from her corner in Belgium ~
I, Ann McAllister Clark just sent the wrong email address.
It’s fixed Annie!
A beautiful sunny day in Northern California and your blog is just what I needed to make this day even better. Thank you for telling us about “hug” for our personal selves. You have enlightened me in so many ways to make my life that much fuller.
oxox Marsha
I had to look long and hard to find something Hygge in my home. I have work to do, making my home “homey.” appreciate the reminder to separate from my to-do list and relax in a special place to be “hugged” by my home. thanks, Susan.
Welcome home! And thank you for another fun “Visit”!! Hygges to you!
Welcome home, Susan! I’ve really missed your posts. This post felt like a warm hug from an old friend. Thank you.
Toni
I adore reading my email when it’s from you!!!
I like to call it living in my Bubble…Blessed by all these lovely comments and you!
Pick me!
This is perfect! Please put it in your next book! We all need to have it around where we can look at it from time to time. Your Dad would have known what to say one or two blogs back, but I was stumped. You’ve done it yourself. And we are all a conundrum/mystery/riddle. Your message has always been about family, friends, home, food, pets, love, having a dream, and finding a way to get along in life with all that is spinning around our heads at all times. (I couldn’t find Joe in the picture.)
Saw what you said in an earlier post! Found him! Smiles and Hugs!
Wishing you, Joe and Jack lots of Hygge for the holidays!
I have a perfectly lovely hygge afternoon planned and it all begins with sipping tea from one of my favorite Christmas mugs, reading your wonderful blog and then working on my Christmas cards while I watch Holiday Inn. I’m sipping my tea from a beautiful ceramic snowman mug and the tea? Your gingerbread cake tea which tastes SO much like its name that every sip is like a holiday. Absolutely delicious. When I’m in need of an extra dollop of hygge, I add a splash of eggnog to complete the deliciousness. Thanks for sharing your warmth with us, Susan.
My sentiments exactly!❤️
Hello lovely lady – now you see I think you and your books and blog and emails are ‘Hygge’. I am so glad you enjoyed your visit to our lovely little island. Did you get to North Yorkshire. I was going to ask for ‘A Fine Romance’ for Xmas off Santa Amazon but I guess I will wait for my birthday – get ye to the printer!!!!!!!
Have a wonderful warm and cosy Christmas
So happy you are at home. Love your Blog and your books!
Welcome home, Susan! The Boise Mountains to the north of my home are frosted white. We’ve even had some flakes in the valley but it’s still too warm to stick. My hygge today was sitting down to read the latest Willard AND your blog while sipping a cuppa (English Breakfast in your honor). Happy December!
Your posts make me laugh and cry at the same time Susan! How is that possible?! Your HUG story was just what I needed today…thank you for always being “you”, and sharing yourself with us. And what a wonderful giveaway you’ve announced…thank you for that.
Welcome home Susan! Loved following you around on your trip. This article made me feel happy =)
This wonderful post made me so happy! Welcome home. Here’s to a cozy winter. 🙂
Thank you for always being so upbeat and fun! Love your posts!
I always look forward to your Willards! And, of course another giveaway!
Got it right now, reading this! Holiday tea in my kitty mug, party mix in the oven, music on… 🙂 kitties curled up in balls! Love this!
Glad you have you back in blog-land! Every entry is a lovely gift, for which I thank you!
Hygge has been a word in my family (Norwegian) forever. Yes, it is a special word for any cozy time, for curling up with your kitty, for tea or coffee and cake, for being with loved ones, for relaxing by the fireplace, for feeling the warmth of where you are…. It is a sweet time of day, a treasured time… Total contentment… Gentle enjoyment…
Are you familiar with Penzey’s (spices)? I’m sure you are! If you have not seen their latest catalogue or letter to CEOs (might be on their facebook page), pls do check it out. Let’s call it being of a common mind in today’s world. When I read it, I applauded the courage! I imagine you might also, truly, in your heart of hearts, considering your courage!
This evening is the Holiday Stroll in the town I live in. My contribution has been baked goods which will join other foods prepared by my office peers. The office is all decorated and sparkly!
Happy days before Christmas!
I love Penzeys! I’ll check it out! Thank you Lynn!
Lovely! Especially the idea to have a Tea Party, whether for “3” or more. Thank you for the beautiful thoughts and photos. Happy Christmas!
Thank you for a nice post Susan.
What a lovely message on a gloomy (Ohio) day. I cannot create outdoor sunshine, but my home can still have a lovely glow. Thanks Susan.
Just the hygge I needed today on this cold, rainy, and blustery day in the Pacific Northwest. Happy holidays to you & Joe!
Hello My Sweet~Elf~Sue…This Blog~Post Is Filled With…. HYGGE 🙂 Rabbit~Rabbit!!! & Merry Christmas! & Such Magical~Prizes!!! You Know My Wings~Are~Crossed!!!!! Santa Knows That I’ve Been a Very~Good~Fairy! 😉 I Love The Photo With Jack & Your Bubble~Bath #Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr I Await WILLARD….. Once Again Welcome~Home xoxo #Elf~Angie~Tink! Poof! & A #HoHoHo 🙂
I was feeling grumpy but now I am feeling Hyggie!!
Making myself a cup of tea and going back to the top to read this all agian!!!
Thank you !!!
Hygge almost seems like the aloha spirit in Hawaii! Enjoy “hygging” this month!
It seems to have lots of names!
I’m a late-comer to your circle of friends, but I feel that we are kindred spirits! I’m enjoying every second of it. Thank you!
I can only imagine how happy Jack is to have you home again. I really needed this post today. A dear friend of mine passed away last night after a 15 month battle with Cancer. Hard to be in the holiday spirit right now but your post convinced me to do something special for myself today. I will do something for me that will also honor my dear friend. Thanks for your beautiful words.
So very sorry to hear it Mary Ann!😢
Aw, Joe. There you are! Love it!
Dear Susan, This is my first comment so HEY THERE EVERYONE!!! I was the little old lady traveling in that suitcase with the others. It was crowded but we had fun. I was the one dancing with the captain:) I am glad to be home with my own captain here in St. Augustine, Florida.
Thank you so much Susan for your blog/Willard. Your words are warm, ideas inspiring and illustrations lovely enticing me to smile with each new one.
GrannyAnnie♥
Welcome to the neighborhood!
Welcome home, dear Susan!! Cozy holiday Hygge is keeping us warm and happy here at home! We are decorated inside and outside, and enjoying the glow and the sounds of Christmas. I’ve just made a new home for all of your books in our guest room. A very special guest is coming to visit in the new year, and I want her to be enveloped in your enchanting art and words of wisdom. ♥
You have taught us well how important it is to bring along Hygge wherever we roam. Many years ago, I spent Christmas in Germany visiting dear friends. I packed all of my handmade gifts, gift wrap, and my favorite Christmas CDs, so that I could listen to my favorite Christmas music as I wrapped their gifts, near their Christmas tree. On our trip to Arizona last month, I packed art supplies for the first time ever. Creative Hygge!! What fun to sit in the warm, desert sunshine playing with watercolors! It’s so important to carry a little bit of home in our hearts… wherever we go!
Warm, cozy hugs!
Dawn (in Illinois)
♡♡
I love enveloping my guests too, such plotting and planning goes into it.😜 👍🎵💞😀 Fun! Hugs to you Dawn!
Like spending time with a dearest friend and sister of the heart! Thank you for all the joy you bring to my world. May your day be filled with hygges….
Hi Susan, I could use a nice surprise like a teapot or a book after the week I’ve had. Keeping my fingers crossed something good comes this way. Glad you are home, safe and sound.
Spent the day decorating the house. This blog helped “decorate” my spirit! Thanks for all the inspiration 🙂
You have no idea how much I needed your lovely messages today. It was as if you knew.
I do so look forward to a gloomy winter day when I sit and watch an old movie, do my needlework and drink tea. What could be better? Is that not the best Hygge?
welcome home…air is filled with wintry anticipation of snow and christmas and all the good things the season unfolds for us….always enjoy your musings and lovely drawings….
Hygge is probably a complete summary of why we all come here and love following you. I just never had a word for it! Thank you for defining it and telling us how to pronounce! I feel like I’ve been seeing it everywhere (or maybe just Country Living – haha) but didn’t really know what it was. Lots of love to you, Susan. Your blog and Willards (and of course your books) are such a comfort when the world is too much!
A new word for an old, trusty, companion of a concept. I love it! I’m so HYGGEFIED (haha LOVE IT) that sometimes, in the middle of a terribly busy work day, where I work long hours 25 miles from beloved home, I will stop for a moment, and think “at the end of this day, and at the end of a long drive, I get to GO HOME.” And a little thrill, a little spark of the coziest feeling sits right there in my tummy, and I’m content. I think the most highly hygge season is Winter, during which the concept of a cozy, comfortable home is like a magnet, pulling us through the dreariest of days (here in northeast Ohio- one of the cloudiest places on earth – sometimes I fear by the end of Winter we will be like little moles, whose eyes have just vanished from lack of exposure to light). Hygge lights our hearts with love of home, so even if our little mole eyes could not see the light, we can FEEL it, deep down where it nourishes the soul. This was the best, MOST NEEDED blog post. Thank you, dear Susan, from the bottom of my Hygge Heart!
I know that little thrill very well! xoxo
My heart is broken for the people of East Tennessee. That place is just devastated right now, so much is lost. Thank you for referencing them in your blog, and highlighting their need for assistance.
You are right, the world really needs a little Hygge. I was just reading about this online, it seems to be everywhere lately. I really like one definition I found: “Hygge is being AWARE of a good moment whether its simple or special.” Which is a great way to live each day.
Welcome home Susan, and Joe, we missed you. Love the Willard and your blog postings … oh, and the contests.
I never did find Joe !!!
He’s there! Look for a computer, and some feet!
I loved this post! I’m all about creating a comfy atmosphere in my home and I had no idea that there was a word connected to it.
I’d love to win this prize! My mom’s birthday is December 23rd and I’d love to shower that Christmas baby with a little extra love to make her day extra special!
I love your pronunciation of Hygge — “hug” — but I look at it and I just have to say “higgee.” Which sorta sounds like hickie. Sooooo, what you’re doing is giving yourself a very enthusiastic and robust kiss! Works for me! “-) Thanks for the giggles and inspiration to eat and drink and read and listen to soothing and inspiring things. Time to dig out my Christmas CDs. Merry Merry, Holiday Berries!
Welcome Home Susan! I look forward to every post and set aside time to relax and read them when they arrive in my inbox.
Love HYGGE. Somewhere, a few months ago, I saw an article on this and did some research on what it was…I even saw a few books out there on the subject. Leave it to the Danish people to wrap their arms around a beautiful tradition.
Glad your home safe; I’m sure your kitty is thrilled! May the season bring you much peace, love, good health and happiness.
I love your posts! Thanks so much for bringing such a lovely note to an ordinary day!
Welcome home! So glad to have you back here again. This entry is just beautiful, and the new Willard was awesome too. The magic continues! Fingers crossed for all of us for the giveaway.
Best of all – it’s Christmastime! Blessings to you and Joe!
It’s my first Christmas back home in Ohio in seven years! I’m so excited!
Dear Susan 🙂 What wonderful timing for some “hygge!” My pc says that word is misspelled but haha we know the truth heehee A hug..ahhh..that is exactly what I was feeling in our little home right now after scrubbing dishes and cleaning the inside of the fridge until it sparkled. All within the view of the colorful lights of the season we just decorated our tree with and the stockings.. newly hung. Yes. I relish in the little cleaning tasks. All the while knowing that a cozy spot awaited me near the lovely scent of the Christmas tree..all scented of fir and outdoors and winter, but bringing me this gift of scent indoors, all cozy with a new wintry-blue fleece throw, some hummus, crackers, and tea for lunch. Oh yes, and then finding this “hug” from you was an unexpected surprise! I am in love with the hugs on the “June” calendar page!!! Thank you for sharing that now, as June seems to be a long while away and it would not be right to rush the seasons along too quickly, would it? Love and Hugs of **HYGEE** from this ~fir scented space~ to yours 😀
Reading your blog in my comfy chair, with a glass of wine and twinkling Christmas tree lights….now that’s hygge. Merry Christmas to you and Joe!
Hi Susan, Looks like you are having a grand day.
I hope, perhaps, today you are feeling a bit better about our President Elect Donald Trump. The decision that Carrier stays in the USA not only effects those jobs but, the lively hood of the area restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, doctors/nurses, insurance companies, daycare centers, schools, etc.—-it spreads much, much further than just the Carrier jobs. This is but one positive step in the next four (4) years. Who knows, it could also effect you with more wonderful Susan Branch books/calendars under more Midwestern Christmas trees.
I was very surprised about your comments about Trump. I find you to be one of the sources I turn to for comfort in this crazy world. Someone who nourishes my soul and teaches me to relax and create peace. The confrontation and especially your comparison to 911 was most unpleasant.
I have been out of town for Thanksgiving and possibly you have closed this file…However, what makes me uncomfortable is that, to me, you were like the wonderful country of Switzerland….neutral with no pro or con reactions. To me, your “job” is to spread thoughtfulness, grace and creativity….leave the negatives to the media and the politicians and you remain at what you are best at. I didn’t need to know your political preference, I just want to know you… You are the person who encourages me to be happier and inspired in days that all too often are darkened with despair and heartache.
Wishing you, Joe and the furries a blessed and Merry Christmas!
I think, just for posterity, that you should read Sarah Palin’s take on the Carrier “deal.” It’s not often I agree with her, but as I have said, I’m an Independent, and truth matters much too much to me. I’m sorry, it’s not possible for me to let these things just go. Your opinion is valued, but since I am a regular person, and so are you, and you are not Switzerland, and neither am I. I guess you opened up the conversation, so here I am, involved. All my very best to you for a wonderful Christmas season!
You always remind me to be grateful and pass it on.
In a dark and dreary time, (and I don’t mean the weather–I love that) you are a warm candle…thank you Susan.
It is chilly and windy here in Southern California for a change. Looking forward to snuggling on the coach watching Hallmark Christmas Movies this weekend. Thank you for the reminder to take care of ourselves every once in awhile. So important, especially this time of year. Have a wonderful weekend. 🙂
Merry, Merry Christmas to you and Joe! So glad you are home safe to enjoy this beautiful time of year!
Have a Happy, Healthy Peace filled New Year, too!
OH!! P>S> My husband regards the floor with his aching feet propped up on the sofa or chair more divine than the couch too!
LOL! Good eye!
Hi Susan
On your book tour in Woodstock, Ga you mentioned a (I think) a CD on meditation you might do. I highly recommend you do this. It would be a great help to get us through these upside down times. PLEASE think about this!!!!
Sylvia
I’m still hoping to get time to do it! Joe wants it too!
Thank you for the reminder to take it easy, to take time to relax and enjoy what we already have instead of always rushing to find something new. I look forward to your words of wisdom and charming paintings and of course, kitties. Sending love and hygge from Texas.
Hi Susan, Glad to have you and Joe home safe and sound after your wonderful adventure! Love the blog and read faithfully. Cozy indeed. That is my goal for the weekend.. making things uplifting and inspiring at home. Thank you!
Love your kitty, too! Kathy
What happiness! After twenty years of your beautiful inspirational and delightful books, there you are on Twitter and Facebook and with a blog in full swing! Where have I been? Have enjoyed your recent journal entries of your trip to the UK – came in about half way through, when suddenly your social media presence was made known to me – glorious day!
This Christmas I will add the final entries to your five-year “Christmas Memories” book, a tradition that has grown sweeter with time – not that it is strictly chronological collection, no – it is more fluid and grace-filled than that, but Thanks are due to you for motivating the saving of joy-filled moments and scenes that occur during the sometimes challenging but always beautiful Advent and Christmas seasons.
Susan-
Thanks for making a stop in Salt Lake City, this past May. What a great memory for all of us who attended. May 2017 hold many great things for you and Joe!
Pat Bates
We loved Salt Lake, and loved that entire drive across our beautiful country! It was wonderful meeting everyone, what a gift! Thank you for coming Pat! xoxo
Thank you again Susan for this little ray of sunshine. I just love all your great Hygge ideas – perfect for this or any time of the year. Here’s another hug – watching The Thin Man with the handsome William Powell and lovely Myrna Loy. Also a belated thank you for your blog – post election – and how we all need to support and respect each other – because that’s our pledge -with Liberty and Justice for All
Happy Hygge, Toni P
Susan, you warm my heart with hygge!
Love this post! I am a homebody, too, who loves all things cozy!
Welcome back Susan and Joe, I love that you’re home!
Susan…thank you, as always, for adding to my cozy contentment … hygge.
Glad you and Joe had a great trip and are safely home. : )
Beautiful sentiments!
Hi Susan!
As always, your blog makes my day! In this time of being grateful…just have to say thank you for giving my life a little more color! 🙂 You are one of the beautiful people in the world and I feel lucky to be a little part of that world.
I feel lucky to have you Mary! xoxo