How a Hygge Lifestyle Can Encourage Reading

Hygge (hue-gah), the Danish lifestyle concept that emphasizes finding contentment and coziness in simple, everyday moments, has become a major trend on social media, and I am here for the hygge! As a recovering Type A personality, hygge is my preferred speed.

But here's the thing about turning hygge into a curated aesthetic... it completely misses the point.

Real hygge isn't a TikTok aesthetic or Pinterest picture. It isn't about buying the right kind of candles or coffee cup (to take a picture of you hygge'ing from your comfy chair with said coffee cup, stretched in front of you as you capture your immaculately beige living room.) Y'all know the exact picture I am painting here.

Hygge is about creating genuine warmth, comfort, familiarity, and a sense of home. It's a feeling, and is centered around the concept of finding comfort and contentment in simple everyday routines. In an over-saturated world of busyness and constant stimulation, teaching children to love and appreciate these slow, simple everyday moments can be a balm to the rushed soul.

Research consistently shows that reading to children in calm environments is "beneficial in reducing stress" while improving "brain connectivity, vocabulary and comprehension" ("Hygge in the Early Years"). Early childhood educators who implemented hygge principles found that children "seemed a lot calmer" and showed "increased engagement and focus" (Smith). When kids associate reading with comfort and peace and connection rather than pressure, they naturally reach for books more often.

The Instagram version of hygge might look appealing, but it isn't necessary, and despite what modern minimalism might suggest, there is nothing wrong with having things that make you feel "at home."

According to, The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking, here are the core ideas:

Atmosphere – creating a cosy and relaxing, homely atmosphere 

Presence – focusing on their current interests in the present moment

 Pleasure – promoting happiness and wellbeing equality – respect for others 

Togetherness – spending time with friends and family 

Gratitude – taking time to reflect and talk about what they are grateful for 

Harmony – enjoying playing together and not focusing on competitiveness 

Truce – learning to manage conflict and share experiences 

Comfort – a relaxing and comfortable environment Shelter – a space to relax

The key idea here is "calm," not "perfect." A slightly tattered but loved blanket granny knitted in their favorite color and a well-loved stuffed animal create more genuine coziness than any styled photo.

We want to teach children that hygge is a state of mind and the best way to teach hygge is to model it yourself.  Give kids permission to slow down and talk to them about the importance of tending to their basic needs and show them you do the same.

 Slowing down with a good book for a few minutes each day in their special space can be an extension of that.

Modeling ideas with conversations like-

"Would you like something warm to drink or a cup of water while you snuggle under the blanket with your teddy?" 

"I love to get a cup of tea and sit and watch the birds. Would you like to join me?" 

"When I feel tired I like to crawl in bed early. If you bring me some books we can read together under my covers."

"I like to have a few minutes each morning to sit in the quiet and snuggle the dog. Maybe you'd like that too."

Many people think hygge is over-romanticizing one's life...but it's not. It's about slowing down and being present in the little things so that you don't miss your life altogether. It's about enjoying life. Not the life you aspire to have. The one you have.

Creating a small "anchor space" where a child can go to come back to themselves is a good way to begin teaching the concept of hygge.

Create a nook in their room, a small kid tent in the corner of a living room, or even just the corner of a couch. In that space, replace harsh overhead lights with soft, warm lighting (think floor lamps and bedside lamps) that help children "feel calm and to think" (Dane). This could be as simple as an amber bulb in a bedside lamp instead of the overhead light. Just don't forget to include your child in the princple of it by telling them why.

Add fluffy blankets or pillows to help children feel cozy when reading books.

Add in natural elements like a little plant or a basket where they can store their current books.

Give their spot a name- your cozy chair, your snuggle spot, your reading nook, etc... And don't forget to have one of your own.

While the concept of hygge is good for everyday life in general, this warm and comforting space is specifically meant to encourage reading.

Would you like more information on hygge? 

"The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living" by Meik Hygge 

Hygge for the American Home: Embrace the Danish Way of Cozy Living, Tailored to Your Modern Lifestyle" by Bondjour

American Cozy: Hygge-Inspired Ways to Create Comfort & Happiness" by Stephanie Pedersen

Cosy: The Art of Arranging Yourself in the World" by Laura Weir 

Hygge: Introduction to The Danish Art of Cozy Living" by Amy White & Ryan James 

For children-

What is Hygge?: Hygge for Kids" by Happy Little Viking

Resources: 

Dane, Jennifer. "Hygge: The Classroom Design Word That Means Calm." NEA Today, National Education Association, www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/hygge-classroom-design-word-means-calm.

"Hygge in the Early Years – What it is and how to do it." Teach Early Years, 5 Sept. 2023, www.teachearlyyears.com/enabling-environments/view/hygge-in-the-early-years.

Smith, Kimberly. "How You Can Harness 'Hygge' in Early Years." Teach Early Years, 20 May 2019, www.teachearlyyears.com/learning-and-development/view/how-you-can-harness-hygge-in-early-years.

Wiking, Meik. The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living. William Morrow, 2017.