Advent and Hygge: The Art of Coziness
This Advent at Redeemer, as we focus on the Comfort and Joy of this season of preparation, we invite you join us as we practice the Danish "Art of Coziness" (hygge). Look around the church and find the cozy nooks we've set up for you to gather together, enjoy a cup of coffee, and share conversation. Places where you can be you, be seen, and belong. See below for a description of hygge.
Hygge for Your Holiday
(from Jonas Ellison, creator of this Advent theme for Salt Project)
"What does this ‘Hygge’ thing have to do with Advent? A quick Google search will give you the rundown, but as Denmark is the long held ‘happiest country in the world,’ many have studied the aspects of Danish culture that bring about this happiness. Much of this can be summed up in hygge (pronounced ‘hoo-ga’), a word sometimes translated as ‘the art of coziness.'
Being of Danish descent myself and a sensitive-type personality, I’ve long instituted hygge in our home to create a safe space away from our competitive, consumerist, achiever-based culture in America. The good think is, you don’t have to spend a dime on hygge. Hygge is more or an inner/social state and all of the outer elements (open flames, blankets, warm drinks, etc.) are merely reflections of that. So, how does this tie into Advent?
In Denmark, peak season of hygge happens during the darkest month. The darker the outside, the brighter the light can shine (around candles, wood fires, slow food, coffee, togetherness, etc.) inside. In this regard darkness isn’t an enemy of the joy and light that comes from hygge; rather, it’s a comfortable blanket that enfolds it.
Hygge is a great way to create a safe, warm, and welcoming space with those closest to you. May it be yet another way that the Christ light can shine in your heart and home."
Look for ways to experience this coziness at home in our communications (emails, social media, etc.) this Advent. Also, be sure to visit the Library and see the resources we have available there for you to open up a space of simplicity and love in your lives.
