As I was walking through the park this morning, I was startled out of my musings when an older woman, looking a little like Mrs. Santa Claus with her red hat and spectacles, cheerily accosted me with her babble. I stopped, not sure what she had said, and wondering if she was someone I had once met but forgotten. Determining she was not among the homeless or crazy inhabitants of the area, I smiled and walked on. Could it be she was just happy and living in the moment? Was she enjoying hygge and passing it on?

Whether it’s joie de vivre, being in the moment, or Christmas spirit – all similar to the concept – hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) seems an idea with merit – although not so new.

The plan is to make simple pleasures matter. Slow down and smell the roses – preferably the fresh cut ones in a crystal vase on your dining room table. Brew some coffee and sip it slowly in a heavy white mug. Enjoy. Slow down. Sound familiar? It’s the runner-up word of the year in Britain – behind Brexit, but the word and concept is Danish.

  A friend’s email had alerted me to the hygge phenomenon, and I did a little research to discover what I had missed. I’ve downloaded How to Hygge: Thirty-Three Ways to Lead a Happy, Healthy, Contented Life Through the Danish Art of Hygge on Audible to accompany me while I walk (and discourage anyone else from talking to me).

The BBC has a more comprehensive definition in its article – Hygge: A Heartwarming Lesson from Denmark