Book #8 is a heavy read about World History. It’s interesting, and I’m learning a lot, but like I said…it’s heavy! Here are a few of the topics that I’ve had to digest recently—Ancient Greece and the Birth of Democracy, the Romans, the Birth of Islam, the Golden Age of China, the Vikings, and the rise and decline of the Ottoman Empire (just to name a few of the topics, and in no particular order!)

I decided to duel read Book #8 & #9. With Christmas approaching, I knew that it’s the most Hyggelig time of the year, so yesterday, I curled up with the book, ‘The Little Book of Hygge—Danish Secrets to Happy Living,“ and got my Hygge on!

Pronounced, “Hoo-Ga,” Hygge is at the core of what it means to be Danish. Hygge is the concept of purposely constructing an environment that’s warm and cozy, thus improving personal well-being and happiness.

Europeans as a whole understand and practice this concept, but the Danes take it to a whole new level, as it has slipped into their conscience like the word “freedom” is to Americans. In other words, it’s who they are.

I’ve heard and experienced this concept before, but only in Europe. It’s hard to duplicate it in America because everything is done at such a fast and furious way here—run, run, run, like we’re on overdrive at all times.

Yesterday, I slipped on my warm, fuzzy (old) socks, lit a candle, sipped on hot tea, and toggled between reading book #8 & #9. I took a break mid-afternoon and made a pot of slumgullion stew. As it simmered all afternoon I returned to reading. I was comfortable and cozy—and it felt so good. I didn’t have to race off to finish last minute shopping, nor was I stuck to the kitchen all day. I just relaxed!