Barefoot Fitness

During the winter in Denmark the daylight dwindles to six hours per day and the weather gets exceedingly cold.

In response, the Danes have a word for the state of mind that brings warmth, comfort and happiness in spite of the cold darkness. They call it "hygge." (pronounce it "hoo-gah" with a little bit of an "ee" stress on the first syllable.)

Hygge is originally a Norwegian word, where it meant something like "well-being" and found its way into Danish culture in the 18^th century.

There aren't any single English synonyms that can define the word, but it's a concept that's fairly easy to understand. Picture a cozy living room full of loved ones (or just one particular person). Outside is painfully frigid but inside there is a fireplace crackling and you're surrounded by glowing candles. There is plenty of good food and drink and everyone is wrapped in warm, abundant sweaters. There is a complete absence of anything annoying, uncomfortable or worrisome.

Hygge isn't just reserved for cold winter nights. It can just as easily define peaceful summer evenings gathered around a barbecue grill or a group of friends huddled around a bonfire on a beach.

If you take a moment to look back on the most pleasant memories from your life, you'll often find that they can be characterized as times of hygge. Christmas mornings as a kid, camping trips with friends, backyard barbecues and evenings spent in the company of a loved one.

This winter, set some time aside to spend with people you care about and enjoy an evening of hygge.

What are your favorite ways of having hygge?

Me and Jen, in front of a Christmas tree.