Holiday “hygge” — keeping the season cozy, the Danish way

The Danes, according to a few international surveys on the matter, are some of the happiest people in the world. Contributing factors include their community spirit — an attitude which runs parallel to their devotion to family and creating inviting environments. During the holiday season, providing a cozy place to land is paramount no matter your nationality, but we can definitely take a page from the book of the Danish, who specialize in making long, dark winters seem comfortable, homey, and welcoming. 

Their word for it is “hygge,” roughly translating to “cozy and contented,” and pronounced “hyoo-guh.” Simple additions to your environment: a candle or two, some textured blankets, warm drinks, and fortifying snacks will heighten the hygge. But for a truly Danish night of hygge (and easy holiday entertaining or meal solutions), look to the tradition of smørrebrød — open-faced sandwiches incorporating a variety of cold cuts, fish, cheese, and toppings. 

Start with a good, sturdy rye or sourdough bread (or a combination loaf if you can find one). Crowd-pleasing toppings include sliced cheese — we like Havarti, infused with dill or traditional-style — along with a variety of cold cuts, hard-boiled egg slices, pates, and pickled vegetables. The bread is traditionally spread with butter, but you can get the best of both worldsin one swipe by using a buttery, spreadable cheese like butterkase. Garnish your open-faced sandwiches with fresh dill, red onion, or chives, and present the platter with serve-yourself sauces like remoulade and mustards. A Danish rule of thumb: If you can see the bread through the toppings, you’re not done constructing your hygge holiday masterpiece.