hygge

On this Christmas Eve, I'm grateful to be home in my cozy childhood home.  It's just full of hygge, which is a Danish word I was reminded of recently on NPR.  Here was the description they gave:

"Usually it is translated as "cosy" but hygge means much more than that. Hygge refers to a sense of friendly, warm companionship of a kind fostered when Danes gather together in groups of two or more, although you can actually hygge yourself if there is no one else around. The participants don't even have to be friends (indeed, you might only just have met), but if the conversation flows — avoiding potentially divisive topics like politics and the best method to pickle herring — the bonhomie blossoms, toasts are raised before an open fire (or at the very least, some candles), you are probably coming close."

That is my ultimate wish for 2014 and beyond, more moments of hygge for everyone!  Thanks to all those that shared these moments with me and allowed me to have these cozy times (ahem, especially my kind husband and these enthusiastic bugs of mine).

I'm enjoying reflecting back on some December hygge tidbits:

Holiday nephew cuddles - baby eyelashes!

A dusting of snow with the Xmas eve luminaries

Gran's treat tree for good helpers

Cruising through decorated Downtown Willo

Tree lighting at our favorite Mosaic

Little Spots and 101 Dalmatians Holiday show

Aiden's first piano lesson on Dec 3 - getting up to speed with extra lessons and Xmas songs 

Searching and cutting down our own tree on the farm

Making an Xmas wreath with red birds and berries and "more pinecones mom!"

New mantle banner - Be Merry!

Pipe cleaner ornaments at PB jacks and sitck stars at school

Paper snowmen and plenty of origami guys

Wreath pizzas with friends

Santa video message - nice guys! - and the Tv Santa tracker with games

Lego holiday families

Holiday mad libs

Presents for needy family at a low income preschool

Countdown paper chain to count when school resumes

Playmobil advent calendar with museum heist theme

Advent book countdown - new books every day is the best treat

Hippo for Xmas video

Decorating a tea towel for teacher gifts

Cozy cuddle forts

Cocoa with fancy marshmallows (Choc brownie flavored!) and choco mint whipped cream

"Skating" on the deck

Checking out the favorite superman toys at the comic book shop

Christmas poems - some in cursive

Learning to make a hook rug

New sock monkeys for group hugs