The LEGO Group Launch LEGO Bygge Hygge, The Art of Cosy Building

With the cold winter months fully taking hold, The LEGO Group has launched a new campaign to bring some warmth to us all - ‘LEGO Bygge Hygge’.

Bygge = the Danish word for building, and Hygge = the Danish word for acknowledging a feeling or moment as cosy or special, therefore ‘Bygge Hygge’ = the art of cosy building!

Pronounced ‘boo-gah hoo-gah’, the campaign is all about gathering the family and setting up the ultimate Hygge setting (think cosy blankets, soft lighting, your favourite playlist), before getting out the LEGO bricks and enjoying some quality family Bygge time. Hunkering down to enjoy the experience of building together, there are no rules on what you should build – just build what you love!

The LEGO Group has partnered with Hygge expert and best-selling author Meik Wiking to provide the top 10 tips on how families can achieve LEGO Bygge Hygge from the comfort of their own homes. 

Hygge expert Meik Wiking’s top ten tips on achieving Hygge in the home:

 1)  Write down or take turns sharing things you are grateful for

Hygge is about making the most of what we have in abundance: the everyday. Whether you’re appreciating the bright sky outside, your morning coffee, or simply being cosy on the sofa – take time to enjoy these moments.

 2)    Plan for some quality time with your loved ones this weekend

First and foremost, hygge is about an atmosphere – about creating a shared moment of connection and togetherness. Hygge is about spending quality time with friends and families. About letting our guard down and connecting with our loved ones.

 3)   Work together as a family

Hygge means putting cooperation over competition. We are all on the same side – and when we work together – we will all be better off. Trust and cooperation are the cornerstones of happy societies – big and small.

 4)     Create the perfect night in with your own Hygge kit

Hygge is often seen as the perfect night in. As we’re spending a lot of time indoors at the moment – it is time to be getting hygge with it! Let the stew simmer for hours and bring out the books, some LEGO bricks and enjoy some family building time. 98% of children say that playing as a family makes them very happy.

 5)    Build shelter this winter

It´s time for hygge hibernation. For Danes, hygge happens throughout the year – but is perhaps more needed during winter. It is about finding shelter and comfort inside when the winter darkness descends. When it is cold, stormy and dark outside it is high time for hygge.

 6)  Be present

Hygge is about being present – and not making other people feel that you are really somewhere else. Try to put your digital devices to one side so you can immerse yourself fully into Hygge!

7)   Cook up a slow roast storm

When it comes to cooking. the rule of thumb is: the longer a dish takes to cook, the more hyggelig it is. Think slow roast or stews and sourdoughs. Hygge is about enjoying the journey. Start cooking mid-afternoon –and allow your dinner to roast or simmer for a couple of hours – while you have some down time to relax before dinner is ready.

8)    Face to face time is key

Sitting side by side facing the television has its limits - we need actual facetime to connect. Make sure you have family activities where you face each other. If living alone or if you are socially isolating digital tools like Facetime or Skype are a good substitute.

9)    Make time to play – whatever your age

Remember you don´t stop playing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop playing. 91% of children say that play makes their parents very happy. 

10) Slow down & enjoy

Hygge is about relaxing and taking things slow. For instance, søndagshygge – Sunday Hygge -  is about having a slow Sunday with tea, books, music, blankets and perhaps the occasional walk if things go crazy. Embrace the slowness of these times. Happiness is easier found at home than on distant shores.

Hygge Builds. 

Hygge House

Create something that can create some mood. Inspired by little tea light holders, why not design a Scandi home, complete with asymmetric windows and simple design. The magic happens when it is placed on a phone’s torch, where it is lit up with a soft yellow light, the perfect companion to a cosy room.

Cosy Owl

Simple creature build – who doesn’t love an owl. Use elements that aren’t difficult to find and are easily adaptable if you’re missing a piece or two. Can be levelled up to create a forest around the owl.

Hot Chocolate 

Simple mug build using largely 2 x 4 bricks which most homes will have. Freedom to design your own patterns. Topped off with a few marshmallows.