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There’s a new trend sweeping the nation and it comes from Scandinavia. “Hygge” is a Danish word that describes “a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” It applies to the general idea of lighting scented candles, sitting by the fire, buying flowers for yourself, or just chilling out with your best friend under a snuggie and watching Netflix. Essentially, it’s what we all want to be doing anyway during these cold and bitter winter nights.
If you want to nail the hygge (pronounced “hoo-guh”) way without leaving your couch — you’re already on the right path — you’re going to need to find some supremely cozy shows to watch. Here are five shows on Netflix that are all about cosiness, community, warmth, hope, and celebrating the small wonders in life.
'Gilmore Girls'
When I say “cozy shows,” there is one overly twee show that should come to mind. Gilmore Girls is hygge to the extreme. The show takes place in a quaint New England town (complete with lots of snow! and hats! and flannel!) and is focused on the day-to-day lives of a mother and daughter. It is a show that is unapologetically hygge!
'Jane the Virgin'
Okay, yes, this frantic satire of a telenovela is set in steamy Miami, but at its core, Jane the Virgin is about the warm fuzzy feelings inside of us. For all its crazy twists and outlandish moments, Jane the Virgin is a show about the power of kindness and community. When Jane (a virgin) gets accidentally artificially inseminated with Rafael’s sperm, it sets off a series of events that challenges everyone’s understanding of themselves, but ultimately leads Jane to form closer bonds to the people who really matter.
'When Calls The Heart'
When Calls The Heart is a slice of pure sugary goodness. This adorably earnest soap opera follows a naive young schoolteacher as she braves the slings and arrows of a small Canadian frontier town. There, she finds camaraderie, hope, and, yes, romance. Oh, did I mention there was a nerdy-hot Canadian mounty? There’s a nerdy-hot Canadian mounty. All in all, this heart-warming show is totally hygge.
'The Wonder Years'
Today, in 2017, The Wonder Years offers up a one-two punch of warm, fuzzy nostalgia. The classic family sitcom is a relic of the past — the late ’80s, early ’90s — that was already about the past. Young Kevin Arnold is just your typical American kid navigating the rough waters of adolescence. The greatest glimmer in his eye? The sweet and bookish girl next door, Winnie Cooper.
'Your Brush With Nature'
Move over, Bob Ross! There’s a new totally cool and chill oil painter in town and his name is Heiner Hertling! Your Brush With Nature is a newish public television show about the joys of plein air painting. The German-born artist takes us out into the wilds of Michigan to capture the glory of nature in real time. The show is a soothing celebration of the beauty all around us. Stop, paint the winter sky, and find the calm within.
