The warmth from a crackling fireplace.
A hot chocolate along the Christianshavns Kanal.
Enjoying the good and simple things in life.
I was told to watch for Hygge,
that sense of camaraderie,
of contentment,
of coziness.
At the airport, waiting for my flight,
a woman dancing and playing
with her boy and two girls,
holding hands, spinning in circles,
laughing, rosy cheeks,
using nothing but their creativity and energy.
No props.
No electronics.
Just pure joy and connectedness.
The two women on the train,
both guiding me to my destination,
joyful and happy energy,
smiles and gestures,
“yes, that’s the station,
then take the other train to Central Station,
welcome to Copenhagen,
enjoy your adventure.”
At the cafe, a mom
putting together a puzzle
with her two small girls,
laughter, clapping.
Then a well-earned drink and pastry
when the puzzle is completed.
In Freetown Christiania,
a man and his daughter,
drawing pictures with chalk
on the walkway,
enjoyed not only by themselves,
but all those watching them.
Imagine the joy,
the wild jubilation experienced
with a simple piece of chalk
and unlimited creativity.
Hygge,
it’s everywhere,
in hearts and minds
and deeds
and in the spirit of
of Denmark.