The meteorologists have been broadcasting doom and gloom all day and from where we are in Northeast Ohio, it looks and feels like we are Antarctica. Between the blowing wind and the drifting snow, we can’t even open our front door. I can barely see my blue plastic wrapped newspaper, which has blown up against the side of the porch and is buried under a huge drift. I’m surprised they even delivered the paper today, but I’m NOT going out to get it. It will still be the in the spring!

I personally like the idea of holing up inside, wrapped in a fuzzy blanket and drinking tea – it’s kind of romantic, don’t you think? Sounds like hygge to me. It’s hard to explain it and it’s even harder to pronounce. The Danish word “hygge” (pronounced “hoo-gah”) roughly translates to “coziness.” But hygge isn’t just a word; it’s a concept, and as such, there’s really no direct translation. Hygge is about coziness and surrounding yourself with the things that make life good, like friendship, laughter and security, as well as more concrete things like warmth, light, seasonal food and drink. Did you happen to notice that last word…” drink”?

So, when you are looking out the window and watching the snow pile up to the windowsill – “don’t worry, be happy,” just like that song by Bobby McFerrin. And if looking at all the snow, makes you feel cold both inside and out, why not get a hot mug of tea to warm you up? I can think of nothing better than snuggling up on the couch with a good book and a nice warm blanket while sipping on your favorite tea. The perfect solution to the upcoming snowy days. Sounds pretty hygge to me- what do you think?

P.S. Tea and hot buttered toast with peach jam sounds even better! That’s for me.