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If you don’t know what hygge is, you soon will.
Hygge, the “magic ingredient” that makes the Danes the happiest people in the world, is set to be the trend of Christmas 2016, and no doubt Santa will leave this cosy hardback guide in more than a few stockings.
Meik Wiking – the chief executive of the Happiness Institute in Copenhagen – explains that hygge has no direct equivalent in English.
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The best way to describe it is as an atmosphere or an experience – albeit one which can be artificially created.
Soft furnishings
Candles are instant hygge, as are fireplaces, hot chocolate, and as many blankets as you can carry away from Ikea.
Soft furnishings aside, the key to hygge seems to have close links to family and friends, and a good work/life balance.
“Work later than 5.30pm, and the office is a morgue. Work at the weekend, and the Danes think you are mad.”
Until you make that life adjustment, take comfort from the knowledge that relaxing with a good book is another perfect way to find your inner hygge.
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