These are the words of winter 2020-2021. As we continue to inch our way toward the exit of this pandemic, which still seems like a tiny dot of light way in the distance, we must find ways to stay connected and engaged with one another.
A friend of mine has been saying we must embrace the Scandinavian way of life; in other words, we need to toughen up and keep getting outside throughout the winter months.
This same friend, Jeannie, arranged for a few families to meet at another friend’s backyard patio for a fire after dinner. She planned an outdoor challenge for the kids, who range in age from 9 to 15, which included singing a Christmas song in front of one house, flossing in the church parking lot (the dance move, not part of dental hygiene), and posing on playground equipment. The original plan included an area of about 10 square blocks, but due to the frigid weather, she mercifully revised it to about a three-block radius. Each family was instructed to bring a couple little treat bags as prizes.
Jeannie laid down the ground rules for the kids, and once they less than enthusiastically departed in teams of two or three, the parents hung by the fire.
“We need to embrace hygge all winter long,” Jeannie declared.
“Well, that won’t be hard; that just means staying cozy and warm,” I replied. “I think you’re thinking of something else.”
“No!” she insisted. “It means embracing the cold! Look it up.”
I did. I was right, but I knew what she meant, and I knew there was a term for it. After a quick scroll down the page about hygge, I came across the word she was looking for: friluftsliv. It’s a Norwegian word that translates to “free air life.” Apparently, people in Norway don’t see winter as a test of endurance, but rather as something to be enjoyed. They say spending time outside improves our mental health.
After about an hour and a half of practicing the concept of friluftsliv, we were all ready to transition to the hygge portion of the evening. After we declared there would be many, many more outdoor evenings together and said our goodbyes, we raced home, the frigid air biting at our cheeks. I do declare that hygge is so much sweeter after a healthy dose of friluftsliv.
My Corner of the Village 