Family – TRAVELING THE EARTH . . .

Hygge is a little Danish word I know because my Mother was born and raised in Denmark, and my Dad lived there for two and a half years. I don’t remember my Mom giving me the definition of the word, I just knew it meant what you feel when you see a darling baby or child, or a pretty little spot in the forest, or sitting around a fire, or what you feel at a warm family gathering. I learned what it meant by living in it. When visiting family in Denmark I recognized it when I went to their homes and after the evening meal, we sat at the table talking and enjoying the warm glow of being together.

Hygge is especially important at Christmas, as friends and families gather to celebrate Jultid (Christmas time), and enjoy the customs of the season. Things like dancing around the Christmas tree, pork roast with red cabbage, small browned potatoes, and rice pudding bring to mind the warm essence of hygge. Valentines Day isn’t celebrated with the fervor and enthusiasm of the Americans, but considering the way hearts are used in Danish decor, it really should be their national holiday!

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Collins English Dictionary defines the word hygge as “a concept, originating in Denmark, of creating cozy and convivial atmospheres that promote wellbeing”. This dictionary also named hygge second only to Brexit as word of the year in the UK in 2016, and currently, there’s a hygge craze in Great Britain, with hygge displays in stores and shops, and entire books that cover the subject. To name a few: Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness, The Little Book of Hygge: The Cozy Life: Rediscover the Joy of Simple Things Through the Danish Concept of Hygge, How to Hygge: the Secrets of Nordic Living, The Book of Hygge: The Danish Art of Living Well, Keep Calm and Hygge: A Guide to the Danish Art of Simple and Cozy Living. I expect that hygge will be invading America very soon, as well!

Now that we all know what it means, I wish you all a hygge day. Hygge to all on this Valentines Day — a celebration of hearts — and the heart !

Several years ago we were asked about joining a country club. I thought it over for a while and wondered about the pros and cons. A country club is a place where some people can go and enjoy golfing, swimming, tennis, and other activities in a controlled atmosphere. Country clubs have various criteria to be met in order to gain membership. People who don’t meet the criteria will not become members. I never liked that idea. I decided that our family would be members of another kind of country club. My thoughts were that the time and money that would otherwise be spent on club activities and dues would be spent on travel to actual countries. That was going to be our family’s country club. I wanted my children to see as much of the world as possible. I’ve never been sorry about my decision. There are many things that can keep us from traveling. Money is one, health, time, and fear of the unknown are others. If you have the means and opportunity, travel as much as practically possible. If you have children, take them a long as well when it’s reasonable. Even if it means saving your pennies, going without some of the luxuries, planning, and being brave. Our family’s best memories and those we talk about the most, are the magnificent trips we’ve taken together. They aren’t necessarily magnificent because of any extravagance, but because we are out of our element, experiencing a new culture, and making new friends. We are away from the media, the work, and the social obligations. And we are together. Travel widens our horizons and opens our eyes. It changes us forever.

“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” – Maya Angelou

Tag: Family

Hygge: Let’s Get Cozy!

My Country Club