The Secret to Snuggly Serenity
If you’ve scrolled through your Instagram feed lately, you’ve probably seen it and you might even have ‘ooh-ed’ and ‘aah-ed’ over it. Hygge (pronounced ‘hoo-gah’) is a Scandinavian sensation that’s all about creating a cosy and contented atmosphere in your home. This is something we all could do with, especially as young parents navigating the glittering labyrinth of Dubai.
Getting Cosy with Hygge
Hygge, with its cosiness, comfort, and quiet moments of joy, isn’t just for cold winter nights in Nordic countries. It’s something you can (and should) introduce into your family’s life in sunny Dubai, too! (And no, we’re not suggesting you start wearing woolly jumpers and light a roaring fire in your living room!)
The Hygge Way
So, how do we start our hygge journey in a city that’s about as far from snowy Denmark as you can get? Simple. Hygge is all about simplicity and togetherness – both things we can surely sneak into our busy lives. Whether it’s an early morning cuddle with your toddler, an after-school craft session with your children, or a quiet evening cup of tea while your little one dreams, there’s a slice of hygge to be enjoyed in every day.
Less Hustle, More Hygge
In a place like Dubai, with its skyscrapers, high-tech living, and whirlwind social scene, it’s easy to forget the little things in life. But when we take time out for hygge, we’re saying ‘bye-bye’ to the hustle and ‘hello’ to happiness. It’s not about buying the fanciest toys or having the most jam-packed schedule. It’s about creating calm, cherished moments with our family, and let’s be honest, we all could do with a bit more of that.
Creating Cosy Corners
One of the nicest ways to welcome hygge into your home is to create a cosy corner. This could be a comfy armchair piled high with soft cushions, a reading nook filled with your favourite books, or a quiet spot where you can sip your morning tea. But remember, hygge isn’t about perfection. It’s about finding pleasure in the simple things – so no need to give yourself a headache trying to make your cosy corner look like it’s straight out of a Pinterest board!
Food and Hygge: The Perfect Pair
Food plays a huge role in the hygge lifestyle – but don’t worry, you don’t have to whip up a seven-course Danish feast. Hygge foods are simple, nourishing, and comforting. Think homemade banana bread, a bowl of your family’s favourite pasta, or a batch of your children’s cherished choc-chip cookies. It’s not about the food itself, but rather the warm feelings that come with preparing and enjoying it together.
Night-Time Hygge
As the day winds down, it’s the perfect time to bring a dash of hygge to your evening. How about a family board game night or story time under a fort of blankets? The idea is to disconnect from the screens, slow down the pace, and just enjoy being together. And once the kids are in bed, why not have a little grown-up hygge time? A glass of wine, a good book, and some peace and quiet – sounds like bliss, doesn’t it?
Wrapping up the Hygge Hype
It’s time to embrace the art of cosiness and give hygge a go. We might not have the frosty landscapes or log cabins, but we do have each other, and at the end of the day, that’s what hygge is all about. From creating cosy corners to baking your favourite treats, remember, it’s the little things that make a big difference. And who knows, hygge might just become your family’s new favourite ‘thing’. Because, let’s face it, who can say ‘no’ to a bit more cosiness and love in their life?
