Staff Writer- Bao Vu

For those who don’t know, fika is a classic Swedish tradition where you take time out of your day to pause and enjoy a hot drink (normally coffee) and a sweet dessert. You might notice some departments at Gustavus host fika at some points, but at the Swedish House, we set aside a dedicated time for fika every Thursday from 7:30 PM to 9 PM.

What I love most about fika is that you never need a special reason to be there. I personally use fika as a time to have some sweet treats and talk about a cat named Kraken. My roommate, Lila, claims Kraken is the absolutely best cat in the world, but I think she’s the single most stubborn cat I’ve ever met. Of course when this article is published, Lila will judge me so hard, but well, whatever! The point here is showing you I don’t use fika to “actually” do anything!

And while the baseline rule is “doing nothing,” we occasionally bend the rules to actually “do something.” Last Thursday, on October 29th, the Scandinavian Society and GMAC co-hosted an Underground Sounds event during fika time. Under the soft amber lights of the living room, with the scent of Carson’s cookies in the dim kitchen area, the Open Mic night unfolded in a truly wonderful way. Shout out to all the musicians who played music that evening—you guys are absolutely the best! Special shout out to Alex for taking our suggestion and then planning for it, and Maizie for doing things on behalf of the Scandinavian Society!

Actually, whether it’s a lively Open Mic night or just a quiet ordinary Thursday evening, what stays with me after fika is the feeling of being able to relax. I really think everyone deserves at least a fika in your life. In those long whirlwind days with deadlines, with all the chaos you can hardly control, you know you need a moment of not doing anything. Fika is the act of consciously slowing down and truly connecting with people around you.

Much like a bird needs a branch to cling to, humans, more than any other creatures under the sun, were never meant to walk this earth alone. We need others, and we live for others, in the most positive way.

Speaking of connecting with people around you, I have heard that some don’t really enjoy fika time at the Swedish House because “it made me feel awkward. Everyone seemed to have their own things to do and no one talked to me.” 

I am so sorry! We feel really bad hearing that.

As someone who lives in the house, sometimes it’s really easy to just talk with my housemate or friends that I already know. But I promise, you are SO welcome to join us for Fika. One of our core agreements from the very beginning of the year was to foster an environment where everyone feels genuinely welcomed. You are the reason we hold fika every Thursday. Please come. We will try harder to build that welcoming atmosphere. Maybe let’s play a board game this Thursday? 

So consider this your official invitation to come pause your week with us. We have coffee, tea, and sweet treats waiting for you here!