Hygge Christmas

An expat's guide to festive connection in Copenhagen.

Photographs: Pexels

Text: Ophelia Wu

As the days grow shorter and the Danish winter settles in, expats in Copenhagen might find themselves longing for the familiar comforts of home during the holiday season. Christmas can be lonely, especially if you don't have a Danish connection here. Yet, this vibrant city offers unique opportunities to craft your festive traditions, embracing the Danish concept of hygge while adding your personal touch to the celebrations.

Crafting your own gathering

For many expats, the absence of an invitation to a traditional Danish julefrokost can feel isolating. But why wait for an invitation when you can create your own memorable gathering? Copenhagen's diverse culinary scene provides the perfect backdrop for designing a hygge-filled Christmas experience that resonates with your international roots.

• Mother Restaurant: Italians are all about sharing and big gatherings. Start your festive meal at Mother Restaurant, where the spotlight is on their new Saltimbocca sandwich menu. Shaped like a ciabatta and baked to perfection in their wood-fired oven, the Saltimbocca sandwiches feature high-quality, seasonal ingredients imported directly from Italy. Choices include fillings like sausage with spinach, prosciutto, or Tuscan salami with ricotta and marinated peppers. Vegetarian and vegan options, such as goat cheese or braised fennel with tomatoes and basil, ensure there's something for everyone, making it an ideal spot for a hygge-filled gathering.

• Sanchez: For those craving more spice and warmth in their holiday celebrations, Sanchez offers a vibrant Mexican-inspired setting. Imagine spending a cosy evening with friends, sharing tacos and small plates, with the restaurant's festive atmosphere providing the perfect backdrop for creating new Christmas memories.

• Jah Izakaya: If you're looking to completely reimagine your holiday feast, Jah Izakaya presents an opportunity to embrace Japanese-style dining. The small plates and sake create an intimate, cosy evening that aligns beautifully with the hygge philosophy.

• Hot Pot Republic: Similarly, Hot Pot Republic offers an interactive dining experience where cooking together at the table can warm both body and soul during the cold Danish winter - something very popular and heart-warming in Asia, especially among Chinese and Japanese.

"As you navigate the holiday season away from home, remember that the essence of hygge is about creating warmth and connection. "

Alternative celebration ideas

Creating your own hygge Christmas isn't limited to dining out. Consider organising some alternative activities that promote connection and relaxation.

• Sauna gatherings: Renting a private sauna with friends can create a uniquely Nordic holiday experience. Share warm drinks and exchange stories in a cosy setting that fosters intimacy and relaxation.

1. Yoga & pilates Christmas get-together: Gift someone a yoga class or membership and take them to classes together for some wellness fun. Combining movement with social connection, yoga or Pilates classes offer a rejuvenating way to celebrate the season, a new way to build a routine and meet new friends, too.

DIY festive traditions

The beauty of crafting your expat Christmas lies in the freedom to blend traditions.

• Potluck dinner: Host a potluck where each guest brings a dish from their home country. This multicultural feast celebrates diversity and allows everyone to share stories about their holiday traditions. What a great chance to learn more about cultural diversity!

  
  

• Virtual connections: Set up video calls with family back home to share your Copenhagen Christmas experiences. This helps alleviate feelings of homesickness while including loved ones in your new traditions.

Embracing hygge

As you navigate the holiday season away from home, remember that the essence of hygge is about creating warmth and connection. Be open to new experiences and friendships. Join expat groups on social media, look for international community events, and don't hesitate to initiate gatherings yourself.

Denmark offers countless opportunities to find joy during the holiday season. By thinking outside the box and embracing the city's diverse offerings, you can create a Christmas experience that's uniquely yours. Whether you're sharing tacos at Sanchez or enjoying a hot pot feast with friends, remember that the true spirit of Christmas lies in the connections we make and the warmth we create together.

This holiday season, let Denmark or whichever city you're in be your canvas for crafting new traditions and building a community that feels like home. After all, hygge isn't just a Danish concept – a feeling of cosiness and contentment that knows no cultural boundaries. So gather your fellow expats, explore the city's festive offerings, and create a hygge Christmas you'll cherish for years.