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I was completely inspired by The Little Book of Hygge and I’m not afraid to admit it. The way I grew up, I thought that a small town life with a couple of close friends and evenings in playing games rather than fancy nights out was maybe, well, a bit dull! I liked it, but did that make me a boring person? Actually no. In Denmark, that sort of a cosy night in with loved ones and good conversations is praised as being totally hygge (pronounced hyoo-gah).

Meik Wiking comes across as a fascinating blend of scientist and explorer, and has made my fantasy dinner party list (along with Michelle Obama, Bill Bryson, John Holt and Amy Poehler). He is the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen and while his writing style can sometimes get a little bogged down with scientific study detail for me personally (he is a scientist after all), I found this book super accessible, easy to plough through, as well as beautifully put together with a tactile cover and clear infographics.

As a result, you will find my blog here is littered with quotes from this book in particular, more than any other. It’s a scientific justification for me to buy more candles, bake more goodies, and relax in my comfiest outfit and furry slippers!

One of the biggest notes I took away from reading The Little Book of Hygge was the importance of being present. He repeats this message in his later book, The Art of Making Memories, that we get more from our time, in terms of both connections with people and positive memories to cherish, when we put down our devices, turn off the TV, and engage in an activity or conversation together. Yes, watching a comedy together can be bonding in small doses, but to make an evening positive and memorable involves a little more effort than passively vegging out together.

Personally, I had a lot of first hand experience of the difference between a parent who was present and one who was always on their device. This has influenced the type of parent that I want to be, so reading how Danish families may choose to pass their time in a more hygge fashion was quite inspiring. I also lent this book to my mum, who is into natural living and crafting (she has had a subscription of Country Living magazine sent to the house for as long as I can remember), and she loved it. Get it for yourself or as a present, either way, a solid recommendation from me!