Group BBQs are Hygge

BBQs are a staple activity for many Canadian homes. When you look at what is Hygge life gathering with friends is Hygge, and eating outdoors is Hygge. The result? Group BBQs are Hygge.

It’s Day 29 of my 30 days of Hygge challenge and we were tasked to have a bonfire with friends. Instead, we had a group BBQ, where we surprised my Mother-in-law. All of the kids and most of the grandchildren traveled from around the country for this surprise family gathering.

We could have complicated the weekend with food lists and endless planning. Instead, we simplified it and focused on being able to spend time together. Letting the kids enjoy seeing each other and hanging out with their cousins. I’ll leave you a few tips below when planning a group BBQ so you can make it simple and Hygge.

Join the Hygge Challenge

When you are looking at having a group BBQ, Hygge life encourages you to spend time with friends and family. It’s important to take the time to build connections and enjoy these moments with those you love. If this means you need to put the phones away and other electronics, then disconnect from social media for the night.

Comfort foods that are simple to make are Hygge. Most people think you need to have unhealthy foods to be Hygge, but healthy food is Hygge too. The key to a simple Hygge BBQ is to make the food simple to prepare, and flavorful. Easy clean up is a must so you have time to visit after everyone eats.

Activities?

Don’t over-think the activities. Simple is better. For our group BBQ this weekend, most of the kids played cribbage most of the weekend. I was shocked at how well that went over. It became so popular that the “winners” were being challenged consistently and there was lots of fun “smack” talk. The rest of us spent our time reminiscing about their childhood or visiting with each other.

Mom was surprised this weekend with all of her kids, their spouses and all but one grandchild attending the group BBQ. We all live across the country so it was a complete surprise for her. Many, many tears of joy were shed as she saw each of us walk up to her to say hello. She was in utter shock and quickly scolded each of us for fibbing about our plans this weekend or the upcoming week.

The only one that didn’t lie about his plans was our son who wasn’t able to make the trip. He had to work, unfortunately, so he missed this small family reunion.

Tips for Hygge Group BBQs

Here are some tips or rules of thumbs for making the Group BBQs simple and Hygge:

Simple food and drinks that are easy to prepare, but are flavorful. Remember that healthy food is Hygge too.
Don’t just BBQ then eat inside. Eating outside is Hygge, make it a picnic.
Games can be added to keep the kids and adults entertained.
Spend time connecting with others, enjoying the discussions around you.

Simple. Keep it simple. Focus on spending time with your friends or family.

There were times my inner introvert needed a break from the multitude of conversations around me. I was also on call from work so I occasionally had to step away to take a call. After stepping away for a bit, I found myself just listening to the laughter. I truly warmed my heart to hear my nieces laughing with my kids, or to hear my brother-in-law laughing at something my sister-in-law was remembering.

I wish we could bottle those moments and capture them to keep forever. Instead, I reminded myself to cherish that moment and remember how it made me feel. That’s exactly what helps me remember the feeling along with the memories of the weekend. It’s a couple of days later now and even now I can remember the sound of laughter as I think of those moments.

Group BBQs are Hygge. I’m challenging you to get together with some family or friends this weekend and just enjoy spending time together. No fancy themes are required. Just make it everything about it simple. Enjoy this time with those you love.