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In this heartfelt conversation, Kathie Lapcevic welcomes Tessa Zundel of Homestead Lady to explore the meaning of Hygge—a Danish concept often reduced to cozy socks and candlelight, but as Tessa beautifully explains, it’s “way deeper than socks.”
Together, they unpack Hygge as a practice of nurturing relationships, creating comfort, and anchoring ourselves in home and community. Tessa shares her evolving journey with Hygge, especially through personal hardship, highlighting that it’s “not a replacement for your God or your family—it’s a tool to get closer to them.”
Key Highlights:
- True Hygge is relational: “You can Hygge alone, but not forever. It’s about community—starting with family and extending outward.”
- You already have everything you need: “You don’t have to buy a thing. You already have it.”
- Hygge is a quiet act of rebellion: In a culture saturated with fear and anxiety, intentionally slowing down, unplugging, and creating peaceful spaces becomes a powerful countercultural act.
- Seasonal Living with Hygge: Spring Hygge includes bringing in budding branches, moss, or signs of new life—simple reminders to wake up with the season.
- Ritual and Routine Matter: From bedtime kits to Sunday family game nights, Hygge thrives in rhythm. “Even if game night ends in a brawl, we had it.”
Tessa also shares a powerful metaphor from Apollo 13: Just like the astronauts had to survive using only what was onboard, we too can create healing, cozy lives with what we already have in our homes. “It’s not fancy. It’s the stuff on the table. And it works.”
Where to Find Tessa:
Join her newsletter to get The Homestead Hygge Workbook.
Further Reading:
The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking
American Cozy by Stephanie Pedersen
The Little Book of Fika by Lynda Balslev