How to Embrace Hygge on a Budget: 

You’ve seen the memes about how awesome it must be to live in Denmark, right? When I tell people that I left Denmark at my own free-will when I was 18 years old, they look at me like I have three heads.

Clearly no-one in their right mind would ever leave the land of happiness, would they? Well, I did – and that’s another story for a rainy day.

Then the natural follow-up question is “what do you miss most about Denmark?” The answer is quite simple, after “family, friends and my mom’s brown gravy,” the natural answer is of course “HYGGE!”

“Huag-huh? What?” (Insert weird look!) It is actually pronounced [HOO-ga] – sort of. 

“Hygge” is the new buzz-word. Every lifestyle blogger has at least one post relating to “hygge” simply because it’s all the rage.

Even if you live on a tight budget, you can bring hygge into your home, without breaking the bank. Hygge isn’t about spending money on fancy things, it’s actually about taking your priorities “back to basics!”

I explained “hygge” in this article years ago and I was later quoted by the BBC here, because if anyone knows hygge, it is a Danish-raised homebody.

There is a common misconception that new trends come with new expenses.

If you are interested in the hygge lifestyle, you may be shocked to find that many of these habits are things you have been doing all winter long!

The idea of slowing down, getting cozy, and enjoying the little things has been a part of your life for a long time. You can enjoy the hygge lifestyle even on a tight budget. 

(Did you know that the Danish hygge lifestyle is also important and SUPER beneficial for kids?)

Everything You Need to Hygge on a Budget: 

Candles

One of the staples of a hygge lifestyle is being surrounded by natural and candlelight. Go head, dig through your old hurricane supplies (if you live in the South Eastern part of the US) or simply shop end-of-season clearance racks when your favorite scents go on sale.

Candles don’t have to be super fancy or expensive to bring hygge into your life. Tea candles in cute candle holders, outdoor lanterns for the back porch rocking chair or simply load up your grandmother’s old serving plate with a display of colorful candles: these are all perfect for a hyggelig evening.

Bake something from scratch

Baking is a big part of the hygge lifestyle and is often one of the easiest to embrace. Instead of spending money on fancy baking supplies, make something from scratch using ingredients found in your pantry.

You can make homemade bread, cake, muffins, or any other baked good right from your kitchen. If you don’t have a bread maker or standing mixer, you can still bake something using your oven and some elbow grease.

Go for a walk

Hygge isn’t just about laying around in blankets, drinking coffee all day – although it does sounds awesome. Hygge is so much more, it’s about spending quality time with the ones you love (or in your own company!)

Going for a walk outside and breathing in the fresh air is the perfect way to embrace hygge.

Regardless of the weather conditions, dress is weather-appropriate clothes and head outside – and remember to bring the kids along. Go for a walk in the woods, along the beach, through town… whatever you do, just walk, chit chat and take in the beauty that surrounds you.

(Do you want to raise happy and confident kids, the Danish Way?… and it’s easier than you think – and involves A LOT of hygge!)

Enjoy a hot drink

What is your favorite hot drink? Is it hot cocoa, tea, or perhaps a simple cup of joe? Any of these beverages can be made in your kitchen at your leisure. Enjoy a warm beverage by the fire with your loved ones or start your morning with a hot cup of your favorite drink and watch the sunrise.

(Or… if you have kids, enjoy a lukewarm cup of coffee that has been heated in the microwave three times before 10am.)

Regardless, even the process of making your favorite hot beverage is part of the hygge lifestyle and it can be as simple as boiling water for tea! 

Curl up with a good book

There is nothing more relaxing than curling up with a good book. Get out your favorite blanket, and choose a book you’ve meant to read. If you need a new book to read, head to your local library or ask a friend for a fun book-exchange.

New trends will come and go just as the seasons change each year. While “hygge” is a newish trend here in America, it’s a lifestyle in the Scandinavian countries. Don’t let this be a fad, turn it into a lifestyle – you won’t regret it.

As you can see, it also doesn’t have to break the bank – and it may even save you money when you start finding enjoyment in life’s smaller pleasures.

(Before you go anywhere, you’ve gotta read this post about how the Danish Way of parenting helps build your child’s confidence and happiness!)