We Could All Use a Little Hygge
Winter is a favorite season of mine on the Mendocino Coast. Crisp, cool days welcome us outside for a beach campfire, or, if we are fortunate to get that much-needed rain, we can relax inside with blankets, board games, and cozy cups of coffee, tea, or cocoa. A friend recently introduced me to the idea of “hygge”—the Nordic concept of coziness and embracing the moment, of prioritizing togetherness and family. Helen Russell, author of Year of Living Danishly, defines it as the “complete absence of anything annoying or emotionally overwhelming.” That is what I’m craving this season.
The previous year has revealed so much about our lives, showing in stark relief the balance (or lack thereof) between work and home. America is experiencing a “retirement tsunami” and a “great resignation,” not to mention a “great reshuffling.” People have reevaluated their priorities, often choosing to change careers, move households, or start something new. I can’t tell you how many of my friends are experiencing serious burnout and overwhelm. If I was queen, I would reduce “full-time work” to 30 hours a week with 3-day weekends. It’s time for the cultural pendulum to swing away from the worship of overwork and stress as a status symbol. It’s time for more hygge.
To bring a little hygge into your life, head to the website for Full Circle Wool (p 29) for some cozy wool socks, or curl up with a good book and a cup of our spiced hot cocoa for grown-ups (p 36). Go old school and pick up an album and a pizza pie from Flying Dog Wood Fired Pizza and Vinyl (p 42), then take the night off from cooking to delve into your pie while you are carried away by the rich, multi-layered tones that only vinyl can offer. (They sell turntables, too, in case you’re in need.)
Keeping things simple is key to hygge, and with global supply chains on the fritz, we think this is the perfect year to simplify for the holidays. We have a bounty of local products that require next to no long-distance travel. You can select some exquisite bottles from Handley Cellars, founded by pioneering winemaker, Milla Handley (p 11), or from Saracina, expertly crafted by their winemaker, Alex MacGregor (p 25). Or prepare a gift of preserved lemons (p 5) or a tantalizing jar of sumac “spice” (p 21) that will brighten any kitchen in the winter months to come.
Simplification, slowing down, and gratitude are lifelong practices. Appreciation of the present moment and today’s abundance is a meditation. We here at Word of Mouth hope this issue fills your cup. So snuggle in, take a sip of whatever gives you comfort, and enjoy our offerings in this issue. May the holidays land gently for us all.
Warmly,
Holly Madrigal
Publisher
