I’ve described my 2019 foci to push myself physically (through sprint triathlons, which I know I enjoy) and do less (by taking planned detox from the news and social media, limiting my personal projects, and spending more time happily doing nothing).

My last 2019 focus is to generate more hygge.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, Hygge is “a Danish word for a quality of coziness (= feeling warm, comfortable, and safe) that comes from doing simple things such as lighting candles, baking, or spending time at home with your family.”

In her book American Cozy: Hygge-Inspired Ways to Create Comfort and Happiness, Stephanie Pedersen describes how inviting others into your home is an important hygge component.

In a series of tips, she describes how to entertain more easily.

I’m using these tips to create rituals and add structure to push forward my plan.

First, I want to let go (sound familiar?) of my need to have a clean home/prepared meal when guests come over.

Her tips:

• minimize cleaning
• provide snacks over a meal
• start something low-effort that meets regularly (like book club)
• light candles & provide blankets for functional decor
• regularly check the calendar for easy (emphasis on easy) opportunities to invite people over

I’ve already invited friends over for two separate gatherings at my house: the first being a happy hour after work.

My goal is to avoid contact with Windex and the vacuum prior to this happy hour. We’ll see how I do. 🙂