What makes Christmas happy for you?
Spend a couple of minutes now just thinking about Christmases in the past. You want to get yourself a notepad and pen, a warm mug of tea (Chai, for a wonderful Christmas scent as you drink) and to settle into a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed.
Think back to your childhood. What are your memories of that time? Is there any particular event that stands out? A special visitor? A meal somewhere? Spending Christmas with relatives or friends? It can be useful here to ask the family as well, get the whole house involved. The things that make Christmas special for you may not be the same for other people.
Think of the most Christmassy feelings you’ve ever had: can you remember every detail? What made that Christmas so special for you? What emotions do you remember? What Christmas smells? Which people were there? What were you doing?
Keep working through your Christmas memories and try and write down as many happy ones as you can. Can you see how my Christmas memories have changed throughout the years? That’s because life changes.
And you can see how pretty much all the senses are involved in the celebration of Christmas. Sight, sound, touch, taste and scent all play a part in building memories. When you’re thinking through your ideal Christmas you may want to think about which features of your Christmas appeal to which sense.
The list isn’t just to look at and smile at, though. Use it to build lists for yourself as the basis of your Christmas going forward – bring back some forgotten traditions and use it give yourself inspiration for making new traditions.
Togetherness is a big part of the hygge concept. To facilitate more time with friends and family, create a new tradition that involves a hygge activity (that is, one that encourages everyone to connect and feel comfortable). That could mean organising a game night, renting a cottage, going for a country walk, or taking a ski trip.
Any meaningful activity that unites the group will knit everyone more tightly together over the years.
Hygge is making the most of the moment, but it’s also a way of planning for and preserving happiness.
Think of the most Christmassy feelings you’ve ever had: can you remember every detail? What made that Christmas so special for you? What emotions do you remember? What Christmas smells? Which people were there? What were you doing?
Keep working through your Christmas memories and try and write down as many happy ones as you can. Can you see how my Christmas memories have changed throughout the years? That’s because life changes.
And you can see how pretty much all the senses are involved in the celebration of Christmas. Sight, sound, touch, taste and scent all play a part in building memories. When you’re thinking through your ideal Christmas you may want to think about which features of your Christmas appeal to which sense.
The list isn’t just to look at and smile at, though. Use it to build lists for yourself as the basis of your Christmas going forward – bring back some forgotten traditions and use it give yourself inspiration for making new traditions.
This Christmas start a new tradition with people you love
Togetherness is a big part of the hygge concept. To facilitate more time with friends and family, create a new tradition that involves a hygge activity (that is, one that encourages everyone to connect and feel comfortable). That could mean organising a game night, renting a cottage, going for a country walk, or taking a ski trip. Any meaningful activity that unites the group will knit everyone more tightly together over the years.
Hygge is making the most of the moment, but it’s also a way of planning for and preserving happiness.