Have you heard of the small Norwegian island called Tromso?
Jennifer Dukes Lee (Growing Slow)
I come from a Scandinavian and Norweigan bloodline, my maiden name Tromsness. Troms, a county in Norway. “Ness” the name given for someone who lived on a highland, an elevated point in the water. So while the average reader might skim through a reference to Tromso in a book, I found myself drawn deep into the words that followed.
In her book Growing Slow, Jennifer Dukes Lee shared how in the dead of winter, Norway is dark and cold, but instead of dreading this season, the people of Tromso have embraced what they call “koselig,” the Norwegian word for cozy. “What would it be like if we took intentional steps every day to bring a little light and koselig into our winter moments?” she asks.
As I research Tromso and the meaning of “koselig”, it becomes more than a random place or idea. This place is part of my heritage, and I see glimpses of this practice in my family, passed down from my grandmother.
So, what does it look like to embrace “koselig” or cozy as part of our winter rhythms?
When I think of cozy, my mind immediately takes me to a place by a warm fire, snuggled in a blanket with a good book, likely in solitude. But koselig isn’t just about the feeling of being cozy; it’s a mindset and a way of life. The concept of “koselig” describes not just a feeling of coziness and comfort, but more notably, it involves a social element.
Deeply rooted in Norweigan culture, “koselig” focuses on the social aspect of cozy and a connection to nature and the outdoors. Instead of allowing the cold dark days of winter to drive them indoors, “koselig” means in Norway they hang outdoor lights, build fires and lay blankets out in outdoor seating areas, where they continue to gather. And, when they move indoors, “koselig” is the feeling created in the home, including inviting people in, lighting candles, having a warm fire, and of course, food is essential, and in Norway, likely homemade.
Yes, this concept of “koselig” has a social aspect, as well as, a connection to nature, but the more I reflect and read, the more I begin to understand this practice of “koselig” is more so a mindset. A mindset that first begins in our hearts and our homes then flows out from there.
Amid this pandemic life, we are currently experiencing, koselig may feel challenging to practice, especially, the social aspect. But, might I suggest that embracing this mindset in our current season of winter and pandemic could be life-giving?
Cozy will look different in different seasons, cultures, and families. However, to get us started here are a few ways we might engage with the concept of “koselig.”
Let’s start by asking ourselves and our family members, what makes our home feel cozy? After the holidays, we prefer a less is more approach to decorating our house, but fewer things do not equate to cold or without purpose. Art and pictures need to inspire, books for reading scattered throughout, candles displayed are often burning, and plenty of blankets for those cold winter nights.
How do celebrations and food impact our homes’ feeling of cozy? We often cook, bake, and plan meals for our family the same way we would if someone was coming for dinner. It says our family time is important and celebrates the simple ordinary days. Also, making waffles for breakfast on a school day can warm the house. Or, incorporating family members’ favorite comfort foods into the weekly meal planning warms hearts.
Now that we’re asked to distance ourselves socially, the social aspect of koselig can require creativity. Our neighbors have embraced social gatherings in the driveway; a fire pit makes this a fun activity, even on colder nights. We might not have friends over for dinner, but we can still bake and cook for them. Delivering meals to friends just because or when you know they could use a little extra love is a beautiful gift. And random deliveries of any kind keep us connected when we can’t be together in person. For example, you might pass on a puzzle you’ve finished or a game you love to play, share a book you’ve loved, or deliver flowers just because. There are so many fun ways to connect with extended family and friends, and we have been given an excellent opportunity to get creative.
While winter draws us inward, inviting us to rest, it does not stop there, it asks that we consider the relational aspect of rest, and it reminds us that there is also room for celebration and community in this season.
Joy Marker
How might embracing a mindset of “koselig” help us find a more balanced perspective on what it might look like to rest in this season of winter?
