Montrose Messenger
Week of January 25, 2021
Thank you for your support and patience last week as we started hybrid. Your partnership really matters! I am proud of the relationships that have been built over the past few months. Teachers, staff and I appreciate you!
Now that we're here, we have started to think more about relaxation. Have you heard of hygge? (HUE-guh) It’s a Danish concept that defines not a material object, but a feeling. The feeling of “cozy contentment and well-being found through enjoying the simple things in life” (Matthews, 2018) For me, this is pushing my oldest grandson on a swing or watching the sky change during sunset. A fire in the fireplace and a skein of yarn are hygge for me, too!
What Does It Mean to Live a Hygge Life?
- Candles. If you ask a Danish person, they're likely to tell you that candles are the most important part of creating a hyggelig atmosphere at home. Danes burn a whopping 13 pounds of candle wax a year per capita according to Wiking—more than any other country in the world. So turn off that unflattering overhead lamp and light some candles. Battery operated ones are great for homes with preschoolers.
- Throw blankets. Whether a chunky knit, weighted blanket, or heated throw, having something soft to wrap around yourself is a must. As are oversized sweaters and thick socks (really, anything knitted), which also make things way more hygge.
- Homemade sweets, comfort food, and hot drinks. What you eat is also essential to creating those cozy vibes. You might want to pour yourself a warm drink, dig up your grandma's chicken pot pie recipe, or spend a weekend afternoon baking your favorite chocolate cake.
Ways to "go Hygge" as a Family
There are tons of ways to do hygge as a family, but here are a few of the easiest and most handy ways for families with preschoolers.
Make It A Point, Not An Accident
You might have to block out an hour or two a few times a week to fit it in at first. Or you may already embrace hygge in the evening and, if so, well done!
Create Comfortable Meeting Places
One major element of hygge is comfort. This means everyone won’t want to sit on a hard floor to play a board game. Lay down pallets, pillows, blankets and even stuffed animals to make things comfy.
Adjust Lighting
Candles are the perfect way to create an atmosphere of peace and calm. If you are worried about candles with your little ones, try some battery powered candles. Not *exactly* the same thing, but you know they won’t result in a hot wax burn.
Go Phone Free
If you’re going to have a hygge evening then phones, tablets, and computers go away.
Make it a habit to turn off your phone or try to keep it in another part of the house during your hygge evenings.
Be Present
Your family are your people and to maximize the time together, focus on them. Be present. Listen, ask question, give answers, just be.
Cook Together
Hygge foods are stews, soups, comfort food and – not to be forgotten – cake. Hygge time sets aside the normal dietary restrictions and lets you embrace what you love.
Play Board Games
An excellent way to bond over shared activities is board games. There are plenty of board and card games that preschoolers can play.
Look Through Old Photos
Hygge seeks to elicit warm fuzzy feelings. What better than crawling up on the couch with a hot chocolate and look at baby photos with them? You’ll remember things you haven’t thought of in months or years, and the children will be able to see where they’ve come from and how they got to where they are now.
Weary Comfy Clothes
For hygge as a family, change into pajamas, sweats, yoga pants, and comfortable socks or slippers so you feel at home and relaxed.
Have Warm Drinks
There’s nothing like a warm drink to make an environment cozy. For your little ones you can make warm milk and put in some melted chocolate or use a hot cocoa powder. Mulled cider and warm tea are also great alternatives.
Put Away the Agenda
It’s not the time to bring up situations that cause anxiety, it’s a time to be as a family. Follow your child's flow. If they want more board games, more board games it is. If they are enjoying lying with you on the couch or your bed reading books, continue that.
The Goals of Hygge
Doing hygge as a family has but a few goals.
- To make children feel safe and secure.
- To create a homey and cozy atmosphere.
- To bond as a family.
- How you do it is up to you, but I encourage you to try it!
Reopening Notes
Reminders:
- Please have your child stand on a circle while they wait for school staff to come out for them
- At dismissal, students will be brought to a circle and then dismissed to you. The routines are very important
- Teachers and staff will not congregate and converse when greeting and dismissing students. Please send an email with any questions or concerns you'd like to express.
New Notes:
- Please send in an extra mask for your child. We are finding that the cold weather and warm breath make the masks damp, uncomfortable and more difficult to manage. We will keep the "extra" until we need it. If it has been used, we will send it home for you to wash. If disposable, we will let you know when another is needed.
- If you are bringing your child for Occupational, Speech or Physical Therapy, please call the office prior to your arrival. A staff member will greet you at the door.
Montrose Early Childhood Center
Email: bsamuels@somsd.k12.nj.us
Website: somsd.k12.nj.us/montrose
Location: 356 Clark Street, South Orange, NJ, USA
Phone: 973-378-2086