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.💝
~ Hi~
Just watched a favorite movie “The Shop Around The Corner” love it!
Love Hygge ~ lutefisk…….not so Hygge I think…..
~Rabbit~ Rabbit~ A day late~!
~ Lynn~
welcome home Susan, good to have you home. sorry I haven’t been around too much lately, trying to keep the chickens warm so that means trips to the grange for straw to put down on the floor and in the nest boxes to keep them warm and cozy at night, and I have a woodstove that I light for the evening to warm the barn for them. plus taking down the Fall decorations and the Thanksgiving decorations and locating the Christmas decorations and getting those up…. whew. plus baking bread and simmer soup on the stove for supper tonight and washing dishes, my dishwasher broke down… oh well I still have my original dishwasher ( my 2 hands and lots of soap)… 🙂 !!! I think warm bread, sausage and hot soup for supper sounds pretty good, especially since it is freezing out there today. the cats are curled up in the basket by the woodstove and yes I have a nice warm fire going to keep the house warm and cozy. was in 7th heaven last night….. Charlie Brown Christmas was on and I adore Peanuts. it is tradition in my family to watch the Peanuts specials for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter and I keep that tradition still. plus have started my shopping and I shop the smaller businesses and the local mom and pop places instead of retailers, my way of getting back my holidays from them.. no retailer or media tells me when to shop, and where to shop for the holidays.. no way!!! and as a result I refuse to spend my holiday dollars in the retail stores at all for gifts or holiday items. my way of boycotting them and I have been doing it for close to 25 years now!!! like my mom used to say I was a stubborn little donkey about this and I still am. well enough chatter for now, dishes to do and a quilt to wash, plus I have to run over to the store for some eggnog ingredients… anyone have a really good eggnog recipe by chance??? have a great day and welcome home Susan, it is so good to have you home. hugs everyone…. 😀
I have a WONDERFUL one on page 30 of my Christmas Book if you have it!
Hi Susan, glad you and Joe are back in your cozy warm home where LOVE is. What a sweet post about Hygge. I love my home too. Many people tell me how peaceful it feels when they enter my home–makes me feel good. I’ve been sleeping in lately and staying warm in my cozy bed with quilt on top, that’s my Hygge.
Roman Holiday! Great movie. Who doesn’t love a giveaway that involves your illustrations and writing?????
hi Susan, welcome home to our dear US of A~thank you (always) for your words of inspiration~and wishing you, Joe and Jack a peaceful Christmas~you’re the best!
xo
Lynn from Rochester, NY.
Susan, THANK YOU for taking us all along on your adventures. I want so much to go to England but for now, I am content to travel there with you. You have a wonderful way of sharing every joyful detail in your writing and in your lovely artwork. Thank you!! Hugs!
Wonderful letter today. Cozy things indeed. So yes to wadhing dishes in hot soapy water while gazing out window dreaming. Just ignorebthe politucal cra. Its not part of joy..it is all what it is. We carry on and it will be way better than yoy think. Sew, cook, friends, wine, Christmas kitties, look how many times you have able to go to expensive England. Yiu have magic memories from this new trip to share and we eagerly await. Shut door on all political stuff and sip tea near fire and know you have a wonderful kind man.
Debra
Welcome home Susan, and thank you for this beautiful post. It has warmed my soul and encouraged me to slip into my jammies with a hot mug of tea and watch an old Christmas movie. I would love to win one of the prizes you are giving away. I look forward to receiving the Willard. Love and grace to you.
And to you and yours Jane. xoxo
Welcome home, and Merry Christmas! Just wanted you to know how happy I am to have recently purchased several of your ceramic pieces after all these years of patiently perusing thrift stores; the most recent was a square-shaped bowl with Happy Birthday lettering and images…so cute! I declare myself a ‘winner’ with or without these great giveaways!
Love it! Haven’t seen that one in a very long time!
Hygge(nd) Hert! Afrikaans lose translation exclamation for thats a mighty good idea..
.
So glad that you had a wonderful trip and are home safe and sound. You have inspired me to give my home a Hygge treatment for Christmas.
A blog post from you, Susan, is the ultimate Hygge! Thanks for all the coziness.
So happy to have you safely home, Susan (and Joe). Those strong winds and high seas had me a bit worried, but I knew your indominable spirit would see you through. Thanks for the wonderful post, love the idea of “Hugs”. I don’t usually buy candles, but after seeing how beautiful they look in your house, I think it’s time for me to buy some for my hearth and, perhaps, on the Christmas table. Thanks for all your wonderful ideas. I’ve also just received my Willard so I’m off to make a pot of tea and relax and enjoy both.
They make a very nice light! I think you’ll love them. xoxo
That is exactly what my home is to me. And you have been some of that inspiration. Last year my husband bought me a print for Christmas. You may have heard this before but it was new to me. Next to the painting of a house is this poem: “As shadows fall, the night birds call, And I am home once more. Safe from the storm, where hearts are warm, the other side of… my Front Door.”
Lovely Brenda! Thank you!
Your wonderful words made my crazy day better. Thanks for the ideas to make everyday hygge.
Sigh….just back from journeys myself. Thanks for putting it all in perspective. And thanks for being part of my life, through your art, words, books, and blogs. Blessings to you and Jie.
Susan,
Thank you for all you do and give to everyone that reads your blog, books, cookbooks, etc. You are my go to comfort whenever I need Hygge! Your blog always shows up at just the right time!
Can’t wait to hear more about your trip! Enjoy your holidays, Susan!
Hi Susan,
I’m glad you had such a wonderful trip and and are now back home. After visiting Martha’s Vineyard last summer, I can imagine your surroundings just a little! I’m sure things are looking festive around there. Relax and enjoy your own cozy town all over again! I look forward to hearing more from you…
Christmas is a wonderful time to be home! ❤️
What a delight to read all you wrote. How can you not be happy and uplift d and filled with amazing thoughts and ideas!
Thanks for your inspiring words! I am definitely going to take time to enjoy the season and savor each moment with family and friends!
Susan, your posts are like coming home, warm, comfy and full of love. I just ordered and received a book “the cozy life” – quinkydinky no 😊? I am not able to travel myself but truly enjoy traveling along with you….thank you!
Quinkydinky for sure! 😀 Great minds!
Love the idea of Hygge, funny little word that it is! I took a break from decorating for Christmas to read your blog and Willard with a cup of Harney and Son’s Hot Cinnamon Sunset tea. A little Hygge for me! Another favorite Hygge of mine is having a warm fire and watching Hallmark Christmas movies! (“It snows, they kiss, the end!”)
T’is the season!
Perfect! ahh, clutch hands to heart, happiness.
Especially loved today’s post. Hoping that you have wonderful holidays. I know that you are glad to be back home. Love ya~
This is just st what I needed today. Thanks.
As usual, ur post was wonderful. Something I count on in the changing world. Scrolling thru the post I am revitalized & challenged to continue to create my own “Hug”!
I want to see that movie. Love your dishes, my mother had that China for years. My sister has what is left, so I enjoy seeing your table settings, a walk down memories lane. Thank you for all your blogs, calendars, books etc…
Absolutely love your blog and Willard! So many moments to have a treat for myself to enjoy the lovely things you share! I love cats too!
Keep going back to the picture but was never able to find Joe!
Look for a computer, look for some big feet!
Here is a link bbc.com/news/magazine-34345791 to an article describing how hygee can be achieved–teaching it to students is part of a Danish language class at a college in London.
Thanks for your email. I always enjoy reading them. I love your idea about having a tea for yourself. I love tea parties, but don’t take the time to set them up. I’m all decorated for Christmas, so this would be a good time. Glad you are home safely.
Hi Susan
Love that sweet word and Love that you call if Hug. Its such a treat to find a new blog post from you. I always adore all the pictures. Happy Weekend Susan
deezie
I love this Willard too so much. It takes me away to the Sea, away to your England, im going there someday. My dream is to visit Cornwall first. Thank you for sharing your trips, the book signing trips and the wonderful independent bookshops. You help us to refocus our dreams and daily routines to find the little joys we do have every single day if we look and slow down. Its there. Be safe on your winter roads, send us many pics of the house decorated for Christmas, the fireplace, snow. Bless you, Joe, kitties, your family.
Debra
Loving this blog post about Hygge and all the Hygginess going on!
A Jane Austin tea party on her birthday…a fantastic idea!
Feeling more cozy than ever…….decorating, baking, carols playing….life is good!
Susan,
Your entries are always a joy. You were just the medicine I needed to get me through some difficult days ahead. You have provided me with some much needed smiles and contentment. I am going to have a cup of potato soup I just made and slip into my favorite flannels under my favorite quilt and with my two cozy cats. Perfect for a cold and gray Oregon night
Love that “hug” mindset, so very much needed in our world today! Merry Christmas
My Oma taught me a great HYGGE recipe that still works to chase the blues away. She called it, Schupfnudel. Of course, any measuring cup or spoon were never found in her kitchen and I’m not sure how much the size of her fist equates to, but here goes:
Add one egg and a fist or two of flour to leftover mashed potatoes. Mush this together with your hands, adding more flour until it’s not sticky any more. Shape the dough into fat finger shapes and fry in melted butter until lightly brown. Roll in cinnamon sugar. HYGGE ambrosia! So yummy and comforting! You can have with coffee/tea or accompany a pork dish with it, but be sure to have a couple all to yourself before you share! Thanks for the cozy blog, Susan. Jack’s not the only one who’s glad you are home safe and happy!
My deepest condolences in the loss of your dear dad. Have a blessed holiday
Thank you dear. xoxo
DEAR SUSAN:
YOUR BLOG MADE ME SMILE TODAY, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. I AM SO HAPPY TO READ THAT YOU TOO LOVE “THE ENCHANTED COTTAGE” ON YOUR LIST OF OLD MOVIES. IT IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY AND PORTRAYS THE TRUE MEANING OF THE SOUL AND CARING FOR SOMEONE AND THAT THE SOMEONE YOU LOVE IS SEEN ONLY THROUGH YOUR OWN EYES. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND LOVELY THOUGHTS ON LIVING 🙂
Your home is hyggge Susan. You and Joe must have been pleased to open your door and be home. Although I always have mixed feelings about leaving the UK. I always miss my cat, Maxine. I know you missed seeing yours as well
In a world full of stress and negativity from too many places your blogs are a breathe of that wonderful fresh air! Thank YOU for sharing 💞
Welcome home! Anxiously waiting to hear about your latest adventures – Happy Holidays, too!
You have outdone yourself with theses posts and the Willard!! And did we ever need it! Love the new word. Hygge it is even fun to spell! I think you are right on with these posts. You know I believe the warmth of home and quiet of the winter months, cozying down for a few months is exactly what we all need. We need to take deep breaths and let our minds and hearts calm down and heal. This has been a rough year for my own family seemed like one thing after another. I know you have had sad rough times too. Home and it’s warmth and coziness may just be the answer for all of us. Your idea about a book about HOME I really feel is a wonderful one. No one could do it like you either. No one can put all the feelings and joys of home into words like you could. You have a special gift Susan.
Love and many thanks to you,
Mary Jane
I love your blog, your books, your darling Jack and Williard! I was thrilled to find it in my inbox today and so glad I didn’t have to wait any longer to read it! Thank you for all you do to keep your fans up-to-date!
I’m looking forward to snowy days so I can cozy up in my sewing chair and watch White Christmas or Holiday Inn, or maybe my latest discovery; the Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries–a little scandalous, fabulous costumes and sets, and lots of fun.
I haven’t heard of hygge before but I think I’m going to like it. Welcome home.
Lovely blog. It certainly is nice to shut ourselves off from the ugliness once in a
while. Welcome home to both you and Joe.
I just love this…I’d like to copy it and share it on Facebook…the message is ME!!! Thank you Susan…you are the best!!!
Hug… what a wonderful thought. I’ll keep it in mind, to create that feeling for my loved ones and for me…
I love cozy! After all we’ve been through this year don’t you think we should all be able to stay home and cocoon for the rest of the year?
You are a bottomless pit of soothe and laughs and lovely. Thank you. I love this blog.
I’m so happy to see fabulous posts from you again! Love it!!!!
Thanks for a post that means a lot at this busy, stressful time. Happy Holidays to you and yours.
❣️ Hygge is where the heart is! ❣️
Hi Susan, just finished a cup of tea and your post. So nice to hear from you and happy that you and Joe are home and snuggled in. We enjoyed the trip with you but there is no place like home! We are starting to decorate our tree. It is always such fun to re-discover ornaments that have been packed away for a year. Hugs to you and Joe.
Pam
Glad you are home safe and sound! I loved your post! Going to Hygge down this winter! Take care of yourselves, and keep warm! 😊💕🎄🎅⛄️
Merry Christmas, Susan and welcome back to the good ol’ USA. Looking forward to posts about your trip.
Thank you for this post, and for the list of old movies.
Always a pleasure reading your emails. I’m currently at Disney World on vacation and you mentioned that–ha,ha, it’s a small world after all. I do gave my tea with me. My husband and I recharge here, so it still can be somewhat of hygge for us. We live in PA and travel here at least twice a year. We also love England and Scotland. Keep up your wonderful inspiring moments–love it all.
Thank you Susan! I love the idea of HYGGE, perfect for this time of year and all year round. It is definitely the little things that mean the most. Today my granddaughter reminded me of this as she went around looking at all the Christmas decorations I had put out and about the house. Just watching her was so wonderful. It is so wonderful to see the joy of Christmas through the eyes of a child.
Voila! I’m automatically entered into your Welcome Home Giveaway! Loved your new Willard — Merry Christmas, Susan!
Okay! You’ve gotta give a hint on where Joe is in that picture! The kitties, yes, I see them all over the place, but Joe? Can’t find that little elf!
Dear Susan…
Your name means Hygge….your Blogs and Willards bring us such hugs!!!
Missed you while you were away on your journey.. Loved reading the Twitter writings.
I will be looking forward to more regular blog writings about your wonderful journey.
Enjoy your holiday celebrations on Martha’s Vineyard.
Kathie from Limerick
That teapot is the definition of Hygge- how can you not smile. Thank you for reminding us that we are in charge of our own happiness- especially in our own homes. Off to put on water for tea – thank you for being You!
Oh my goodness! It’s wonderful to have you back! Your blog is so uplifting and changes my mood the instant I open your posts. Thank you, Susan. We need the hugs even more than ever and you make such a beautiful place to visit and find peace, beauty, and love. HUGS
Okay! All is well – FOUND JOE! xx oo xx
‼️
You never fail to cheer me up Susan! Thanks for all the cozy ideas 🙂
Greetings Susan, and Holiday Cheers To You, ~ Oh, you are my truest inspiration. Love reading your magnificent blogs; they are all very magical, and bring so much warmth to my heart. Wishing you all the very best!!! Hugs Ani
LOVE the photo wall!!!! One year at Thanksgiving I put a big piece of poster board on the back of the bathroom door with What I’m thankful for written on it and everyone who went in there, which everyone does eventually, wrote something on it. ‘Twas so fun to go in and to read what people wrote, sometimes it was about you! Eventually, years later, I cut it up as best I could and put it in one of your scrapbooks so I’d have it forever.
I’m stunned to hear A Fine Romance is out of print! I’ve given it as a gift so many times. I suppose I thought it would always be in print! What’s a gal to do now to wow her friends and other Anglophiles!?!!! Love you Susan!!!! Thanks for all you do for us!!!!
We’re going to try to reprint it soon!
So glad to read your blog today with Christmas cheer and Hygge! We are having cold Santa Ana winds today in SoCal…..so when you mentioned a nice cup of tea, I went straight to my cute tea tin (designed by you!)—and my favorite tea—and I am enjoying my Christmas decorations and reading your blog for the second time with my cup of tea!
Susan, you are the goddess of Hygge! Thank you for sending cozy beauty into the world, especially now during these scary, uncertain times.
Such joyful optimism is so needed in our world right now. Keep the ‘hugs’ coming!
Welcome home and Merry Christmas. Enjoyed your post, Hygge what a fun word!
Love Willard,always a treat to read. Glad you and Joe are home safe. I agree with you. Our country is strong and together we will pull through. Let us remember to be kind to each other, especially on this one year anniversary that happened in my state. One never knows when you will lose a loved one.
Enjoyed seeing you in Pasadena on your book tour. My girlfriend and I were excited to see our picture in your blog!
I so love getting your blogs. I’m just home on Friday night after picking up my granddaughter after school, taking her to dance class, then picking up a bake at home pizza and gassing the car for a getaway trip tomorrow with my hubby for my birthday!
Snuggling up with pizza and a pear cider (thanks for the hint! I had never had one before). Great way to start a long weekend.
BTW have you ever read any of the cookbooks/reminiscing books by Jane Watson Hopping? Delightful food, great stories and poetry too!
I’ve recently “re-discovered” you and your blog. Don’t know why I slipped away, but you certainly provide the hygge we all need right now. I felt quite warm and cozy by the time I finished reading your post. I especially liked the quote about tea for I, myself and me — I have many tea parties like that! And I like your dad’s advice to “be an elf.” I do try, but could probably try harder. Thank you for all your positive, cheery thoughts. Happy Hygge to you!
Welcome home! I know that Jack was glad to see you.
So happy to see a post that I wasn’t expecting. Took a long time to find Joe in the photo. He’s doing a version of a yoga pose good for sore backs! Reminded me to do it, as I worked all day. Thanks, Susan and Joe.
Have a wonderful Christmas Susan!
Simply lovely!
I am 87 in just four days and I still love your blogs. Thank you, thank you.
Happy Birthday dear Joan! My mommy turns 87 in February. It was a VERY good year!❤️
So glad to know you are home safe and sound from your travels and looking forward to reading all about it!
Thanks Susan, for the lovely visit with you via Willard. As always– inspiring quotes, wonderful recipes and great ideas to ponder!
Oh how lovely. It is so easy to get caught up in the busyness of life that I forget or don’t leave time for the things that bring me joy. Thank you for this lovely post, I am determined to bring more Hygge in my life. Hugs!
So glad you and Joe are home safely. Although I don’t comment often, I do follow all your blogs and enjoy them so much! During your time away I missed the frequent posts and happy commentary on life that you are so good at!
Wishing you both a wonderful holiday – filled with good friends and merriment!
Welcome home Susan and Joe. We have missed you. Glad to have posts again…it does seem to put things right side up where they should be.
Thanks for the hygge. Just what I needed. My mom who was also my best friend just passed away. Thanks so much, Melissa
Thanks so much for the great post Susan. My houses are always cozy, love to snuggle in with a good book or a warm laptop or the even warmer kitty, especially as the days are grayer and shorter.
Love all of your reminders to make life cozy and simple; need to start living that way! Susan, what Beatrix Potter biographies are your favorite to read? Thanks.
Michelle
My favorite is Beatrix Potter, The Extraordinary Life of a Victorian Genius by Linda Lear … you can read about it HERE.
Happy Christmastime Susan!
What delightful gifts from you: a lovely post, a beautiful Willard, and the possibility of being an SB winner – and you haven’t even been home a week!!!! (And I think there was a birthday party in there somewhere?!?!) You are amazing!
I love this concept: Hygge. Thank you for introducing me to it!! ” … 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!” I LOVE IT!!
Okay, for dessert, I’m going to go re-read your post and re-read your December Willard!
Thank you Susan!
oxo
A Girlfriend in Missouri
Thank you for this lovely post….hygge…we all know what it means but never had the word.
I am so glad you are back home safe and sound. I did miss you a bit…
I do hope you have a new book about your adventures (no pressure).
Want to wish you a big welcome home
love to you and Joe,
Hillaire G
Wonderful post today! So excited about the giveaway, I hope it’s me!! But I’ll be happy for any one of the girlfriends !! Thank You!!
Glad you are back safe and sound. Missed your posts while you had no internet access, it happy you had such a wonderful time. I can’t wait to hear all about it in the next few months. Welcome back and enjoy the holidays!
Susan…thank you for explaining Hygge to us…we know the feeling but didn’t know it had a name. I always look forward to a new post from you, I put on the musica and read slowly every single word getting so absorbed in everything you say. I would consider myself very lucky to win any of your treasures. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
I love this post! Hygge—great minds think alike! Being of Scandinavian descent (AND Scotish so doubly blessed), I’ve recently been exploring Scandanavian cookbooks and, of course, discovered Hygge. I feel like you wrote this one just for me! Someday I’ll visit these beautiful lands but until then, I’ll enjoy Hygge at hone. Thanks so much!
I have just been reading a library book about Hygge, so your post chimed in with that. It is certainly a concept to enjoy in the winter months. Delighted you had such a happy trip & also a happy homecoming. With every good wish for the celebrations. Gill
Oh Susan how you inspire me is truly wonderful! Just reading your lovely words makes me feel “hugged” and lowers my blood pressure. I have been missing the little things lately and because of you, I will now start to slow down and enjoy all the wonders around me.
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas.