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19th December 2018
12:41pm GMT
Let's be honest, when it comes to traditions and a certain way of life, us Irish have a fair few ideas as is. These days there are LOADS of concepts making their way to our little island, and while some promise to change our lives, we're kinda happy out with what we got.
Hygge, for example, is the latest trend from Denmark and it's all about that warm, fuzzy feeling of cosiness and content when we are with friends or family in a delish setting.
Glowing fires are great and we do love an auld geansaí deas, but we've our own take on how to get this feeling of 'hygge'... we'll take it from here.
Recently, me and my mates stumbled across an empty snug in the local and immediately thought something may have happened. WHY else would the best spot in a pub be empty??
It's like your own private hyggenook (it's a thing) where you can enjoy all the joys of being out with mates while tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the most likely packed bar at Christmas.
Bring another level of Danish flare to this with a tasty 'Mulled Unfiltered' - a new winter warmer created by Carlsberg Unfiltered to celebrate the festive season (exclusively available at the Yuleyard in The Bernard Shaw).
In the world of hygge, lighting candles is the number one thing to create a lovely mood. In Ireland, lighting a candle can have a totally different angle.
How many times have we confided tales of woe or stress, only to be met with the standard response? "Sure we'll light a candle for ye."
There's no worry too big or small a good candle won't fix; a job interview, if someone is sick and the all time fave - you have the Junior or Leaving Cert exams coming up. Any exam for that matter! I still wake up in sweats thinking about the Drumcondra tests.
Lash an auld flame onto the coinneal there Mam, tanx.
Cosy nights in with blankets and a roaring fire have hygge written allll over it - throw in a mega hyper audience dressed up as elves and Tubs in a Christmas jumper and now you're talking our lingo.
If you've over done the Christmas nights out enough this winter, then grab your loved ones and set up camp to feast your eyes on the all those gifts they always have one for everyone in the audience. So jammy.
It's the norm these days to fly the coop and make a way for ourselves in the big shmoke, so there is nothing to fill our bellies with glee than making the trip back to our family homes at Christmas.
We get to see our family, catch up with friends from yonks ago and there is just a beautiful sense of joy in the air as we all end the year on a high. Also, is it just me or just food just taste better when you're at home?
Now that, my friend is the ultimate hygge feeling. Don't care what anyone says.
You're friends and family have all made the trip home for Christmas and life feels right again. There's nothing better than a big fry up on Christmas morning - everyone crowded around the table, elbows banging off each other, piping hot tea, rashers and of course, Superquinn sausies.
No one can get a word in and it's chaos, but we wouldn't have it any other way.
Whether you and the fam brave the icy water for The New Year's Swim or wrap up warm for a crisp walk with the dog, getting out into nature is a perfect way to kick off the New Year.
Cold, rosy noses and lungs filled with fresh air, what better way to finish off the day with a cloudy, crisp Carlsberg Unfiltered - inspired by simplicity and connection with nature.
Perfection!