Embracing Hygge in Freezing Changchun
Living in Changchun, China, where winter temperatures often plummet to -30°C, presents a significant challenge. After two winters, the speaker is determined to make this her best one yet by embracing "Hygge," the Norwegian and Danish concept of coziness, warmth, and contentment during the harsh winter months. She recently returned to Changchun after a five-week trip to warmer parts of China and was immediately struck by the dramatic temperature difference.
The Shock of Re-entry
Leaving Shanghai in a light jumper at 18°C, she arrived in Changchun to find snow and -11°C temperatures, feeling like -17°C with the wind chill. The situation was further complicated by the airport bus dropping them off far from the terminal and the car having almost no battery left. After a stressful and freezing arrival, the car was charging, and the speaker huddled inside, impatient with the extreme cold.
Discovering Hygge
During her travels leading group tours in Beijing and Xi'an, the speaker met a woman named Linn who introduced her to the concept of Hygge. Linn explained that in Norway, people focus on creating cozy and comfortable indoor spaces to combat the cold winters. This idea resonated with the speaker, who decided to "Hygge" her apartment in Changchun to make the winter more bearable.
Hygge Transformation: Attire and Comfort
Driven by this inspiration, she began ordering items in four key categories to transform her apartment into a cozy haven.
Cozy Attire
The first category she delved into was attire, focusing on creating a comfortable and warm personal experience.
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She started with a pair of magnetic socks that hold hands.
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Next, she opened slippers shaped like dogs.
Rosetta Stone Interlude
Before continuing with the unboxing, the speaker paused to highlight Rosetta Stone, the video's sponsor, as a helpful addition to create a Hygge experience. She uses Rosetta Stone to enhance her conversational German skills in preparation for spending Christmas in Germany. She appreciates Rosetta Stone's immersion-based teaching techniques, including repetition, matching audio to visuals, reading stories, and participating in dialogues.
Lighting and Decor: Creating a Cozy Atmosphere
The speaker then moved on to the lighting category, essential for creating a Hygge ambiance.
Tabletop Fireplace
Recognizing the importance of fire or flickering light, she purchased a tabletop fireplace as a substitute for a real one. The set came without instructions and required 95% alcohol to operate, which she then went out to purchase.
Incense Burner
While waiting for the alcohol, she revealed a cute xiaolongbao-shaped incense burner. Choosing a vanilla scent over a more vibrant frangipani incense from Bali, she aimed for a cozier, more suitable aroma.
Toilet Candle and Croissant Door Handle
Venturing into the slightly absurd, she unveiled a toilet candle and a croissant-shaped door handle. While unsure if they strictly qualify as "Hygge," she found them amusing additions to her bathroom decor.
Personal Touches: Dog Pillows
Moving onto decorations, the speaker revealed custom-made pillows featuring her dogs from Australia. Missing her pets, she found this a comforting way to bring them into her Changchun apartment.
Dish Sponge Bed
She even purchased a tiny bed for her dish sponge, expressing excitement about the prospect of cleaning.
Food and Drink: Completing the Hygge Experience
The final category was food and drinks, essential components of the Hygge lifestyle.
Puffer Jacket Tea Set
She revealed an adorable tea set featuring a teapot wearing a puffer jacket, accompanied by matching cups and saucers.
Sweet Potato Roaster
Finally, she introduced a sweet potato roaster, designed to replicate the taste and texture of street-roasted sweet potatoes. Using this device, the speaker enjoyed a perfectly roasted sweet potato, achieving the desired creamy consistency.
Tabletop Fireplace Success
Upon the arrival of the 95% alcohol, she successfully lit the tabletop fireplace and admired it.
Derk's Reaction
Upon Derk's return, he noticed many of the new additions. He admired the magnetic socks, correctly identified the dog pillows, and was both amused and slightly baffled by the toilet candle and croissant door handle. The speaker had a turkey-shaped tissue box for Derk as a Thanksgiving gift, further adding to the coziness. Derk's favorite item was the toilet candle.
Dongbei Cuisine: Cozy Winter Food
To extend the Hygge experience beyond her apartment, the speaker ventured out to a local restaurant. Dongbei cuisine, influenced by the region's cold climate, is known for its hearty and warming dishes. She enjoyed Sha Zhu Cai (pork blood sausage and sauerkraut) and Xiao Ji Dun Mo Gu (chicken, mushrooms, and noodles), both perfect for combating the winter chill.
Conclusion
The speaker concludes that by embracing Hygge, she's creating a more enjoyable and cozy winter experience in Changchun. The key is taking the time to set up a comfortable environment and celebrate relaxation. Surrounded by cozy items, a flickering fire, and comforting food, she now better understands why Scandinavian countries, despite their long winters, often have high happiness scores.
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