I lived in the darkness of the northern winters for 20 years and yet returning to it feels both strange and comforting. Having lived in Australia with its sunny skies for a lifetime now it blows my mind to see the not rise till 9 o’clock in the morning and then only grace us with its presence till mid-afternoon. By 4pm it is pitch black again and another 17 hours of darkness starts again.
I spent all of my childhood in Denmark and the long dark winter evenings certainly encourages a lot more reading and opportunities to “hygge” with family and friends. Hygge is this unique Danish word​ for spending cozy​​y time with loved ones. It often involves good food, drinks, candles and warm heating. Basically people connecting and enjoying each others company No direct translation is available as its such a Scandinavian term. Its part of our unique culture…