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You may have heard of Hygge, and I write a lot about Hygge, but what is it? Hygge is not just some lifestyle trend. It’s a way of life the Danish people have perfected over thousands of years. Hygge is a state of mind. With the Summer Solstice upon us, now is a great time to be thinking of a Hygge Summer!

It encompasses the idea of living mindfully, simply and embracing happiness. You don’t have to leave town or even have to leave your house! And you don’t have to spend much money, if any at all, to live Hygge. I’ve got some great free or inexpensive ideas to help you embrace Hygge this Summer.

Watch a thunderstorm

There’s just something about being snuggled up under the blankets watching the flashes of lightning and waiting for the ominous crack of the thunder that makes watching thunderstorms very hygge.

Read a book you’ve wanted to read for a very Hygge Summer

Being cozy on a lazy Sunday morning, enjoying a good book snuggled under a soft blanket, and that second cup of coffee – that’s Hygge. 

Here are some book recommendations:

• My Hygge Home – Meik Wiking
• Orphans of the Storm- Celia Imrie *also a great audiobook
• The Escape Artist- Jonathon Freeland
• The Beach House- Mary Alice Munroe

Taking afternoon naps is very Hygge Summer.

Something about being at the lake and outside in the fresh air all day or on the water deserves an afternoon nap – in a hammock, on a cozy chair on the deck or even or on a blanket at the beach!

Go on a road trip for a Hygge Summer

We spend our winter road trips going from rink to rink, so in the summer, it’s nice to plan trips where we can enjoy the area and check out the sites. We like visiting historical places, and some great ideas are:

Campfires are a must for a Hygge Summer.

What is a prairie summer without a bonfire? Hanging out by the fire with your family and friends, telling stories and making candy cones doesn’t get more Hygge Summer than that!

Campfire Candy Cone Recipe

Waffle cone stuffed with your favourite chocolate, mini marshmallows, gummy candies, fruit, peanut butter cups and any other delicious filling you want! Wrap your cone in tin foil and put them over the fire just until the inside becomes warm and melty (about 5-8 minutes) and then unwrap and enjoy!

Hang out with friends on a sunny afternoon.

A bbq, some adult beverages, yard games, sitting around a pool just enjoying the weather, and each other’s company are very Hygge vibes.

Maybe even a potluck to try different foods and keep things simple. 

Watch a meteor shower.

On a clear night, take some blankets outside and spend an evening star-gazing. Every summer on a clear night, we love looking for constellations, shooting stars in the night sky, and watching for the Full Moon. 

What’s a Hygge Summer without Ice cream?!

What’s more fun than getting ice cream from the concession at the lake and trying to eat it on the walk back to the campsite before it melts! Flavour favourites are salted caramel, mint chip and vanilla.

Canoeing/paddle boarding/boating 

Enjoying the calm water and paddling along in nature is a fun family activity for summer. Packing a picnic and hopping on the boat for an afternoon on the water is very Hygge Summer. 

Treasure hunting

Visiting local thrift stores or farmers’ markets for fun vintage finds or fresh vegetables and canned goods is very hygge. 

While you typically think of Hygge around Christmas time and during the winter, Hygge is all around us no matter what time of year it is.