(HYOO--guh)

By Jamie Erickson

3/16/23

Review by: Ashley Davis

In a world that glorifies hustle and productivity, are you looking for rest and consolation? Do you crave warmth and comfort and contentment? In her book, Holy Hygge, Jaime Erickson uses a concept common to the Danish culture to consider how we can use our homes as a place to invite people to know Christ more deeply.

In this book, Jaime Erickson sets the stage by describing God as the first homemaker. He made a beautiful, sustaining, functional home for his creation – Adam and Eve. God built a sacred place for them, and we, too, have the chance to make our homes a sacred space where others can come to know the joy and rest of Jesus.

If you haven’t heard much about the concept of hygge, you may not know that it doesn’t have a direct translation in English, or that it can be used as nearly any part of speech. Here’s some ideas of what people may consider hygge: soft lighting and candles, that’s hygge. Freshly picked wildflowers on your worn kitchen table, that’s hygge. A cozy blanket, a cup of tea, and a puzzle to work on, that’s hygge. In my opinion, cozy is the closest word. But as Jaime stresses, hygge is not something that is achieved by buying the softest blankets or the perfect chair. It’s an atmosphere in a home that says to others something like, “You are welcome to take refuge here. Come and be at rest.” It’s casts off the “try-hard” and embraces contentment in simple pleasures and meaningful monotony.

The book is broken into seven main chapters that showcase different elements or places where hygge can be found or cultivated: hospitality, relationships, well-being, atmosphere, comfort, contentment, and rest. These chapters are rich with Biblical examples of hospitality and drive readers to consider how to make their home a sanctuary for fellow weary travelers to find rest. When cultivated and cared for with intention, our homes can give us opportunity to invite others into communion with God. Many of the ideas and points in the book are very practical. This is not “fancy” entertaining with the desire to impress. The heart behind it is humble care. Jaime has a unique and seamless way of transitioning from focus on a Biblical narrative or idea into very practical, down-to-earth methods for implementing what she’s been unpacking in the chapter.

Each chapter concludes with consideration questions, a list of related scripture references to “taste and see,” and a prayer. The book concludes with an appendix of Hyggelige Activities for Gathering People and Growing the Gospel.

If you consider yourself someone that isn’t super hospitable or doesn’t prefer to have people over often, I still encourage you to read this book. It’s not just for those Marthas who want to host a party and cook for a crowd. It’s a beautiful guide to creating intimate, Christ-centered community in and around your own home.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from Holy Hygge

“Jesus met the need in a person’s hand before He met the need in their hearts” (38).

“How can we have instant access to anyone at any time with just a simple tap of an app and yet feel so completely alone? Could it be we have replaced friendships with "friends”? Genuine love for "likes"? The common bond built over a shared meal around a table with a "shared" meme on a tablet?” (63).

“If we’re willing, our homes can be a much-needed welcome mat for a lost and lonely world” (64).

“Hygge gives you full permission to light the candle, use the good dishes, and wear the expensive perfume because it recognizes that now is always the right time for simple pleasures. Use it, or get rid of it” (117).

“Our home atmosphere should reflect the holiness of the Spirit who dwells there” (121).

“He’s only ever asked that I tend the garden He’s given me so I don’t allow the fruit of discontent to ripen into entitlement” (160).

Audience:

Women

Usefulness Rating:

This book is useful and could easily be tailored to each reader’s specific style and liking. Different things bring that hygge feeling for different people!

Entertainment Value:

As you read this book, you will likely find a friend in Jaime. Her writing is entertaining and convicting at the same time - and often funny too (though not all at the same time!).