Banner for "The Little Book of Hygge: An Honest Review." Siena lettering against a background with the northern lights and an orange cabin.
★★★★★

Introduction to The Little Book of Hygge

 

I found The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living in a bookstore one day. I was drawn in by the cover–an aesthetically cozy mix of cool and warm colors, and one of those books that made you feel happy just looking at it.

Before this, I’d only heard of hygge in passing; after all, it had had its phase a few years ago. I ultimately ended up putting the book back and rediscovered it months later in the library. After reading, I wish I’d picked it up the first time! It was a short, fantastic read filled with so much useful and interesting information to apply to your life. It’s been my favorite read of 2024 so far, and here’s why.

 

Context

 

Hygge, for those unfamiliar with it, is a Danish term for a warm, cozy atmosphere in which you feel content. Essentially. I say essentially because, as Meik Wiking describes, it’s a little more complex than that. Wiking, the author of The Little Book of Hygge, is well-credentialed to write it. He is the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, and he is involved in several other research foundations and associations regarding happiness and living well. Beyond studying happiness for a living, he was also born and raised in one of the happiest countries in the world, Denmark, and is thus well-posed to discuss their philosophy and what contributes to their success.

 

Review

 

In all honesty, I expected this book to primarily be about interior design. I was interested in the concept of hygge, but I didn’t anticipate everything this book would hold: interior design, scientific research, social advice, gorgeous illustrations, recipes, holiday activities…the list goes on. With his warm, personable writing style, Wiking managed to embody the very idea of hygge in his writing. This was something that I found incredible.

We start out with an introduction to hygge and what it looks like. He explains how there’s a focus on design elements like lighting and room arrangement, yes, but it’s so far beyond that. It’s how you prioritize your friends. How you dress. How you prepare food. Much of the advice was so simple that I found myself awestruck at the fact that I was awestruck. To be fair, it hit at a particularly hectic, busy, and stressful time, but this was exactly the book I needed to remind me of how the simple things in life can affect us.

 

Room Design

 

Wiking charmingly reviews what hygge means in terms of interior design. Why is Scandinavian design so popular? What hold does it have on people? And how does lighting play into it? I don’t think I’ve ever read so much about candles, but I enjoyed the science and sociology behind it. They’re simple luxuries, but it truly does impact mood–as does any other lighting. Between this, cozy furniture, and a layout set up to socialize, The Little Book of Hygge gives you an easy-to-use guide to hygge.

 

The Personal Principles of Hygge

 

Hygge, as Wiking explains, goes so far beyond interior design. He explains how your friendships, outings, work-life balance, and connection to nature influence your happiness and overall sense of wellbeing. Especially in the US, where it feels harder and harder to genuinely connect with people and find time for ourselves, this was refreshing to read.

As you read, you can’t help but wonder what small changes you can make to add more warmth to your own life. You might not be able to recreate a cabin in the midst of a snowstorm exactly, but what kind of hygge can you recreate? Maybe a potluck with friends, or your favorite sweater, or a walk in an orchard. It’s personal, and it’s not as intimidating as it might seem.

Most importantly, Wiking explains how hygge is not necessarily defined by consumerist thought and things. It is an attitude and a feeling, and at the center of it all is the knowledge that you belong and will be supported by others. This is beautiful. It might not be rocket science, but it is a wonderful reminder.

 

Seasonal and Holiday Hygge

 

Hygge is most closely connected to Christmas, as anyone who’s been to Solvang can tell you. Wiking explains all the hygge-related words and recipes in the book, and I did love this insight into Danish culture. Even if it’s not time to drink mulled wine in front of the fireplace with your advent calendar near, there are several things you can still do to capture the hygge. Again, this isn’t the most novel idea in the world, but I loved Wiking’s way of delivering it. He did a great job of incorporating different media and ideas (pictures, recipes, lists) and giving specific examples. Because of that, the book felt more like a lovely guide than a pleasant passing of time.

 

My Connections

 

As I mentioned, this story made me think back to my trip to Solvang. I have not yet made it to Denmark, so this little Danish town in California was the closest I could relate. Yet all of Wiking’s story rang true. I contemplated why so many people love Solvang–why I loved it–and why they’ll go out of their way to visit.

Of course there’s the obvious escape from our regular cities, but there’s also the feeling that comes with it. Just like the book suggests, it’s cozy. It’s the type of town that you want to enjoy with your friends or family as you sip wine and eat good food outside. You’re surrounded by charming buildings and delicious bakeries, and there’s this sense of comfort. You get to experience the coziness of Christmas year round, and though it’s expensive, it’s a place to rejoice in the small joys of life. The Little Book of Hygge definitely moved Denmark higher on my list of places to visit.

This sounds nerdy, but I don’t think I’ve enjoyed a nonfiction book so much since I finished my intercultural communication textbook in college. This one was even better, because it had adorable pictures that made me smile each time I saw them. I enjoyed every page of The Little Book of Hygge, partly because I was anticipating the next illustrations. This simple anticipation would be hygge, too.

 

Recommendations A La Carte

 

 

Conclusion

 

The Little Book of Hygge was wonderful. If you’re a little down, want to explore a new culture, or simply want to read more about happiness, this is the perfect book for you. Get a hot drink, get comfortable under your blankets, and enjoy the read. It’s well worth your time.

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