Holy Hygge: Creating a Place for People to Gather and the Gospel to Grow

by Jamie Erickson

Overview

Women were made to give life—and they can do that right in their own homes. 

Hygge [HYOO-guh] has become a cultural buzzword. When many read about this Danish practice, their shoulders lift in excitement, then fall in exhale. In a culture of rush, hygge appeals to their desire for rest—for slow living, shared moments, and fostered friendships. Hygge has strong ties to beauty, contentment, and well-being. It’s warm and inviting. Hygge is the opposite of hustle. It eschews abundance. It savors. It takes things slow and envelopes you in sanctuary. Hygge is home. When you sit in a comfy chair by the fire, that’s hygge. When you arrange a fresh bouquet of wildflowers on a bedside table, that’s hygge too. Candles, soft furnishings, natural light, fresh-baked pastries, intimate gatherings with friends—these are what come to mind when you think of hygge. But hygge can be so much more. 

In Holy Hygge, author Jamie Erickson unites the popular Danish practice with the deep, theological truths of the gospel. She unpacks the seven tenets of hygge: hospitality, relationships, well-being, atmosphere, comfort, contentment, and rest. In addition, Erickson shows how the external veneer of a lifestyle can create a life-giving home only when placed under the hope of the gospel. Holy Hygge provides practical ideas for using hygge to gather people and introduce them to faith in Christ. Each chapter concludes with discussion questions, Scripture references, and a prayer.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802427977
Publisher:	Moody Publishers
Publication date:	09/06/2022
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	104,727
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

When she's not curating memories, hoarding vintage books, or homeschooling her five kids, JAMIE ERICKSON can be found encouraging and equipping a growing tribe of mothers all across the globe on the Mom to Mom podcast, through her blog The Unlikely Homeschool, at national conferences, and in her book Homeschool Bravely: How to Squash Doubt, Trust God, and Teach Your Child With Confidence.

Table of Contents

Introduction Making Home 9

1 Hospitality 27

2 Relationships 55

3 Well-Being 85

4 Atmosphere 107

5 Comfort 127

6 Contentment 149

7 Rest 169

8 A Home for the Homeless 193

Appendix Hyggelige Activities for Gathering People and Growing the Gospel 203

Acknowledgments 211

Notes 215

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Praise for Holy Hygge

“I wasn’t familiar with the word ‘hygge,’ but after reading Jamie Erickson’s beautiful and thought-provoking new book, I won’t easily forget it. Her refreshing honesty and real-life examples will inspire you to make your home and life a place for others to not only enjoy comfort and hospitality but so much more. Practicing Holy Hygge will let others know they are seen, known, and most importantly loved by a God who invites them to His table.”
—KATE BATTISTELLI
Author of The God Dare and Growing Great Kids

“In the bleak midwinter, I sighed and told my kids we simply needed to ‘hygge harder!’ But the crackly fire, cozy blankets, and hot tea didn’t spark hope in our weary hearts. In Holy Hygge, Jamie Erikson explains why our efforts fell short: we needed Christ to warm us from the inside, to rest our souls, and to help us flourish in difficulty. I learned so much while reading this book: big ideas about the etymology of hygge and how it is a mere shadow of Christ’s kingdom, and specific, practical ideas about how to commune with Christ, create a life-giving home, and welcome people in. Best of all is this: I’ve been looking for a book to read with my daughter before we launch her into the world next year. I want it to strengthen her understanding of Christ and the way He informs—and gladdens—the way we live at home and abroad. Holy Hygge is the book. If my daughter embraces the truths tucked inside, she’ll be well on her way to living a good and satisfying life.”
—LAURA BOOZ
Author of Expect Something Beautiful: Finding God’s Good Gifts in Motherhood

“Holy Hygge will show you how to be the neighbor you wish you had and the neighbor the world desperately needs. It will help you rethink home and what it means to build a life that will leave an eternal legacy. It’s a book to enjoy and share.”
—TRICIA GOYER
Bestselling author of eighty books, including Heart Happy: Staying Centered in God’s Love through Chaotic Circumstances

“Nestle your family into a peaceful haven of belonging and comfort. Jamie Erickson will show you how to establish and enjoy a home where Jesus is exalted, spirits are filled, and the best of life is lived.”
—GINGER HUBBARD
Bestselling author of Don’t Make Me Count to Three and Sam and the Sticky Situation: A Child’s Book about Whining; cohost of the Parenting with Ginger Hubbard podcast

“In Holy Hygge, Jamie Erickson invites us into the cozy warmth of a home dedicated to God. Instead of settling for being just a place to lay your head, she offers practical ideas and inspiring practices that can transform our homes into a sanctuary, a place that can revive our communities and bring hope to a lonely and hurting world. Her story will give you the courage needed to create life-giving rhythms for yourself and your loved ones.”
—JENNIFER PEPITO
Author of Mothering by the Book

“I had no idea what to expect when I started reading Holy Hygge. Immediately, I realized this was not a book to be rushed through, but savored. I found myself wiping away tears as Jamie explained this new concept to me. Holy Hygge is a gracious invitation for everyone who is weary and longing for home.”
—STACEY THACKER
Author of Threadbare Prayer: Prayers for Hearts That Feel Hidden, Hurt, or Hopeless