Hygge seems to be the big buzzword of 2017. Surely the Danes find it all quite amusing, after all they’ve been living and breathing hygge for years, and many of the words they use to describe relaxing or chilling out, use hygge within the word. There is no exact translation, but roughly speaking it means ‘cosy’. You know those sweatpants that you wear at home but wouldn’t be seen dead in outside the house? Yep, they’re called Hyggebukser, and the whole of Denmark wears them to watch Netflix!

Hygge is all about relaxation and creating an atmosphere in your house or in your life, in which you can relax and get ‘cosy’. In many ways it is linked to mindfulness and the important concept of taking time out for yourself. But it’s also about creating and/or appreciating those life enhancing moments we have from time to time.

Burning candles is a recognised essential element of Hygge, because fragrance has the power to change your psychology, change your mood and enhance your emotions. Candles are used to create that moment – the flicker of light, the scent of a long lost memory – they all create an atmosphere.

But have you ever thought about making your own candles? A vital element of Hygge is about spending quality time with friends and family. The unique thing about making your own candles is that you can join with family and friends to make them together, united in a common purpose, united in a creative moment. And after making a candle, it can be gifted to bring even greater emotion – the happiness derived from the giving of a gift.

If you are interested living a more Hygge lifestyle, then you should try candle-making – it only takes about 20 minutes!