Weather winter the Danish way

Let’s face it: Canadian winters — even mild ones — can be tough. According to the Centre for Mental Health and Addiction, 25 to 35 per cent of Canadians experience the winter blues.

But there is hope, and it’s found in Denmark. In a country that sees just seven hours of sunlight a day during the winter months (Canada gets nine), Denmark was first on the World Happiness Report 2016 update (Canada was sixth). British journalist Helen Russell, author of The Year of Living Danishly, says the answer is hygge (pronounced hoo-guh).

“(Hygge) is the complete absence of anything annoying or emotionally overwhelming. It’s being surrounded by calm relaxing things,” says Russell from her home office in Denmark — candles burning, her dog resting on her feet to keep them warm. Russell sees hygge as a big happiness influencer, especially in the colder months. And though creating a warm and inviting home is a big part of hygge (even her son’s daycare burns candles), it’s about more than being physically cosy. It has been a way of life for the Danes since the 18th century, with comfort at its centre — namely, making time for family, friends and, most importantly, doing things you enjoy.

“People huddle inside, enjoy a Danish pastry and a nice coffee and make plans to see friends. Danes are really good at (prioritizing) the things (that) help us feel better when the weather turns bad or life feels tough.”