Some examples are sharing a meal or coffee with friends, talking over a card game or going on leisurely walks.
I’ve taken the time to indulge in hygge through meals, walks and movies. I live in a kollegium where I share a kitchen with students from both my study abroad program and other Danish universities. This leads to me regularly cooking and sharing meals with my friends. We take our time during the whole process to both make something delicious and enjoy each other’s company! We also like to sit on the couch, talk and watch movies once we’re done eating. Engaging in this tradition can really be done anywhere and just takes the right mindset and environment to enjoy life at a relaxed pace.
This tradition allows for people to feel a stronger sense of community and positive emotions. I find spaces that encourage this tradition in many cafes and restaurants, such as Folkheuset Absalon. I’ve had a number of meals at Absalon not only because the food is tasty and comforting but because of the environment. Within an old church, the space has been repurposed to serve the community of Copenhagen through daily events and dinners. As soon as you walk into the central room, you’re met with the walls’ bright colors and countless conversations at the long tables ahead. Each table is filled with eight people regardless if they came together or not and provides the chance to meet new people. You then get large servings of food, which changes each time, to share family-style with your table. It’s casual, fun and just very hyggelig!
