Cosy

The Danes have a wonderful word which is hygge. The nearest English language translation is cosy but it does not really capture the many meanings of hygge. It is pronounced hoo-ga, I believe. It describes an atmosphere of warmth, cosiness and comfort and a feeling of peace and well being. It means relaxing and spending time with friends and family, eating and drinking, firelight and candlelight. It can be used as an adjective, verb or noun. I think it is a wonderful word, a word which captures all that I want to celebrate during winter.* Of course, it helps that I am captivated by so much Scandinavian design and culture (how is it possible that after all the hours of Danish crime dramas I've watched I am still not fluent in the language?) and it is at least one word of the Danish language I will know when we visit Copenhagen in April. That, and tak (thank you).

We have been very cosy today. Last night we ate in an Indian restaurant and watched thick snow fall all through the evening and, when we couldn't get a taxi home, we all walked. It was magical. When I woke up this morning I was excited for the day to begin. We went out in the fresh snow and threw snowballs in the bright sunshine. I spent the afternoon crafting, crocheting, baking, drinking many cups of tea. Bella and Angus played with the train track, drew pictures, watched DVDs while snuggled under blankets.

It was a good day.

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For those who asked about Yorkshire Pudding and roast potato recipes - I will ask John what he did and try to write a post. His ego will be suitably flattered, I am sure! I hope you are all enjoying your weekends. Hello new followers - you are most welcome! I will try to pop over to your blogs this weekend and say hi.

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*Incidentally, you can have a hygge atmosphere is summer too - a picnic or barbecue with friends and a few beers would be very hygge.