Today, Thursday 1st February, is National Sweater Day here in Canada.
Cupboard Full of Hygge

I feel so much better
When I'm wearing my sweater (oh-oh-oh)
I won't sh-sh-sh shiver you'll see
So toasty, so cozy (oh-oh)
Put-put-put on a sweater
Put-put-put on a sweater*

The popular Scandinavian term hygge is all about cosiness, and nothing epitomises that feeling more for me than a warm, comfy and cuddly sweater.  And, as you can see, I have an entire cupboard stuffed full with them.  But hygge not why today is sweater day.

National Sweater Day is observed on 1st February each year to raise awareness about renewable energy, and to encourage Canadians to modify their attitudes and behaviours regarding energy consumption in Canada.  Simply put — if all Canadians lowered the setting on their thermostats by a mere two degrees (Celsius), we’d reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost 4MT.  Four megatons is the equivalent of taking 700,000 cars off the road.  Just imagine!

Beginning in 2010, more than a million Canadians have turned down their thermostats on this day and worn their comfy-cosy sweaters to stay warm.

Here in beautiful Essex County today, our district school board will be participating in National Sweater Day by turning down the thermostats in schools and administrative buildings by 2 degrees.  Students and staff will be showing off their favourite sweaters to stay warm and comfortable.

Classroom by classroom, school by school, home by home, business by business – Canadians are choosing to be a part of the solution.  Won’t you please join us?  

I’m a Hygge enthusiast, I love all things cosy, most especially my beloved sweater collection, most of which have been hand knit - some even especially for me!  Hygge is the art of finding comfort, pleasure, and warmth in the simple, soothing things - like cosy sweaters. Go on!  I dare you!  Right now - walk over to your thermostat, turn it down by 2℃, choose your favourite woolie and, at least for today, let’s make a difference!

’Til next time, y’all…

*Reb Stevenson and William E. Reid, songwriters.