The Calm Christmas Podcast with Beth Kempton

✨ This is the episode where sadness is honoured, our loved ones are remembered, and we allow all the feelings, however they might arise. May it be a comfort to you in the dark season.Episode 6 includes:* The comfort of poetry* Thoughtful ideas for dealing with sadness in the dark season* A candlelight meditation* Lovely robins* London’s last lamplighters* Commonplace books* Beautiful ideas for honouring and remembering loved ones, from listeners around the world* Get ahead tipsWith inspiration from David Whyte, Danni Nicholls, Nina MacLaughlin, the London lamplighters, Day Schildkret, Songbird Survival, John O’Donohue, Patricia Fargnoli and my mother’s recipe book.Don’t forget, if you feel like seeking solace in words this winter, don’t miss my Winter Writing Sanctuary which runs from Dec 28-Jan 5. If you haven’t signed up yet, you can register for FREE here.Take good care of your heart,Beth XxPS You can also listen on Apple or Spotify.This week’s giveawayTo enter this week’s special giveaway, you are invited to leave the name of someone you love and miss, or simply a heart to acknowledge them, in the comments of the giveaway post on my Instagram. We did this last year and it became the most beautiful tribute.The winner gets all this for themselves:* A personalised, signed first edition of my book Kokoro: Japanese wisdom for a life well lived* Bath House patchouli & black pepper candle* Winter Solstice by Nina Maclaughlin* Festive Spirit - Candlestick Press Poem Card* A complimentary place on my short writing course Words HealTo enter, go to @bethkempton on Instagram.Glazed Ham recipe* You can find Delia Smith’s Glazed Ham recipe online here What you need to make a commonplace book* Any kind of notebook* Ephemera and bits and pieces gathered from your life* A stick of glue or tapeWinter Writing Sanctuary sign up- Register here for free (runs Dec 28-Jan 5 online)Inspiration sale!- Up to 50% off all my classes in my annual gratitude sale, on now here.Links* Ancient Embers by Danni Nicholls * Under the Neem Plum Tree by Danni Nicholls * London’s last lamplighters via the BBC* Burn Something Today by Nina Maclaughlin in The Paris Review * Songbird Survival * Free Calm Christmas Planner (by me!)* Poets.org * The Poetry Society 15151* The Poetry Foundation * For the Love of Tiny Things essay by me on SubstackReferenced books + recommendations* Winter Grief by David Whyte - The version shared on the podcast was from David’s Substack here. The original appeared in The Bell and the Blackbird by David Whyte (Many Rivers Press) * Kokoro: Japanese wisdom for a life well lived by Beth Kempton (Piatkus) * Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year by Beth Kempton (Piatkus)* Winter Solstice by Nina MacLaughlin (Black Sparrow Press) * Hello, Goodbye by Day Schildkret (Simon Element) * Echoes of Memory by John O’Donohue (Transworld Ireland) * Winter Grace by Patricia Fargnoli in Poetry of Presence edited by Phyllis Cole-Dai and Ruby R Wilson (Grayson)Images: Holly Bobbins/Unsplash This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit calmchristmas.substack.com

✨Friends, we are just a couple of weeks out from Christmas now. The festive feels are all around… This episode is all about seeking delight and tiny flickers of magic in amongst the ordinariness of our daily lives. It’s about the kindness of strangers, and all the ways we can bring magic into our own worlds, and those of others.Episode 5 includes:* ✨Magical memories* ✨Being inspired by children to seek out magic* ✨Stargazing* ✨A lovely craft project – make some citrus candles!* ✨A super easy recipe for brandy-soaked satsumas* ✨Get ahead tipsWith inspiration from Claire Keegan, Leroy Anderson, Ella Fitzgerald, The Spice Girls, Boney James, Royal Museums Greenwich, Kari Leibowitz, Kinsey Gidick, The Simple Things Magazine, Lia Leendertz (Lia’s Living Almanac), Clover Stroud, Storm Dunlop, Wil Tirion, Alex Palmer, The Poetry Pharmacy, Paul Anthony Jones, my youngest daughter and my Greek aunt.And if you fancy whipping up a little wintery magic in the pages of your notebook this year, don’t miss my Winter Writing Sanctuary which runs from Dec 28-Jan 5. If you haven’t signed up yet, you can register for FREE here.Stay cosy,Beth XxPS You can also listen on Apple or Spotify.This week’s giveawayThe winner gets all this for themselves:❄️ A prescription for a ‘Sense of Belonging’ from The Poetry Pharmacy❄️ A Winter Dictionary by Paul Anthony Jones❄️ A personalised, signed copy of my book The Way of the Fearless Writer❄️ Christmas Lights (Candlestick Press poem card)❄️ A complimentary ANNUAL membership to my beautiful private writing community SoulStack (find out more at bethkempton.substack.com)Enter at @bethkempton on InstagramIngredients for Brand-soaked Satsumas* Brandy (how much depends on you). Could also work with rum!* Some small citrus like satsumas, mandarins, tangerines or clementines* Sugar of your choice* Christmassy spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves – just use what you haveWhat you need to make citrus candles* Oranges or clementines* Olive oil* A knife* A glass container to put your candle in* MatchesWinter Writing Sanctuary sign up- Register here for free (runs Dec 28-Jan 5 online)Inspiration sale!- Up to 50% off all my classes in my annual gratitude sale, on now here.Links* Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson (Ella Fitzgerald version | Spice Girls version | Boney James version) * BBC story about Oswald Laurence’s voice telling us to ‘Mind the Gap’ * Star Walk 2 app (iPhone | Android)* Sky View Lite app (iPhone | Android)* Royal Museums Greenwich on the Cold Moon * Kari Leibowitz on how to winter in The Guardian* Why no one does Christmas better than the Finns by Kinsey Gidick (mentioning "pikkujoulut" or "little Christmas" parties) * The Simple Things Magazine* Save The Children donation link for Christmas Jumper Day* Free Calm Christmas Planner (by me!)Referenced books + recommendations* The opening passage of this episode is from the Epilogue of my book Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year by Beth Kempton (Piatkus)* Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (Black Cat)* 2024 Night Sky Almanac by Storm Dunlop and Wil Tirion (Collins) * A Year in Story and Song by Lia Leendertz (Gaia) * Giant on the Skyline by Clover Stroud (Doubleday) p.258 * A Winter Dictionary by Paul Anthony Jones (Elliott & Thompson) * The Atlas of Christmas by Alex Palmer (Running Press) Please share this podcast episode with anyone who might enjoy it! Thank you so much. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit calmchristmas.substack.com

Friends, December is upon us, which means meterological winter has arrived here in the northern hemisphere. This episode, Season 4 Episode 4 ‘Christmas Lights’, is all about words, because winter is my favourite time of year for writing. It’s so cosy to light a candle, read some poetry, get out your notebook and write, and I hope this episode inspires you to do just that. It’s a beautiful way to bring some calm to the chaos of the holiday season.This episode includes:❄️Reasons why writing is a good idea (as if you needed a reason!)❄️Three simple ways to get the words flowing❄️A beautiful candlelight meditation❄️An invitation to get outside to seek creative inspiration❄️ My youngest daughter’s Chocolate Orange Wreath Cake recipe❄️Get ahead tips to help you arrive for the holidays feeling calm and preparedI hope this podcast will be a lantern guiding you through the darkness of winter, and your words are a companion along the way.Beth XxPS You can also tune in on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Lovely things for you* Winter Writing Sanctuary registration here (FREE, runs Dec 28-Jan 5)* Calm Christmas Planner – download yours for free here* A new festive giveaway at Instagram @bethkempton* Up to 50% off ALL my life-changing courses in my giant gratitude sale hereLinks* Christmas Lights by Coldplay* Save The Children Christmas Jumper Day donation link* The Christmas Train essay * The Life Changing Magic of Writing Haiku essay* Link to join my private writing community SoulCircle (choose Monthly to try it out or Annual to get two months free)Referenced books + recommendations* Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year by Beth Kempton (Piatkus)* Winter Solstice by Nina Maclaughlin (Black Sparrow Press)* The Light in the Dark by Horatio Clare (Elliott & Thompson)* Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jennie Colgan* The Poetry of Impermanence, Mindfulness and Joy edited by John Brehm (Wisdom)* Kokoro: Japanese wisdom for a life well lived by Beth Kempton (Piatkus)Ingredients for the recipe sharedFor the cake* Three eggs* The weight of three eggs in self-raising flour, caster sugar, unsalted butter, then remove about three tablespoons of the flour, and replace it with the same weight in cocoa powderFor the icing* 200g unsalted butter* 320g icing sugar* 80g cocoa powder* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract* A 100g bar of cooking chocolate, melted gently over a bain marie* Sprinkles – we like blue and white* A Terry’s Chocolate Orange or an orange chocolate bar, ideally with segment shapes This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit calmchristmas.substack.com

Happy Thanksgiving if you are celebrating, and may it be a day of counting our blessings, for all of us, wherever we live and wherever we are from. This episode - Season 4 Episode 3, Home for the Holidays - goes out with so much gratitude for your presence in my world, for listening to the podcast and sharing your own experiences of the festive season - many of which have been woven into this season of the podcast! Today's episode is all about making our homes festive and cosy with lighting inside and out, sparkle, evergreens, textures, scents and love.This cosy episode includes:- Lots of ideas for making your home welcoming and cosy- Some wonderful decorating traditions from listeners around the world- A recipe for Cheesy Garlic Hedgehog Bread- A lovely citrus star garland crafty project- Tips to help you get ahead for the festive season, and more!I hope this podcast will be a lantern guiding you through the darkness of winter and into a happy new year.Beth XxLovely things for you:* Winter Writing Sanctuary registration here (FREE, runs Dec 28-Jan 5)* Calm Christmas Planner – download yours for free here * A new festive giveaway at Instagram @bethkempton* Up to 50% off ALL my life-changing courses in my giant gratitude sale hereLinks* Madison Square Park Conservancy* Christmas at Sea by Robert Louis Stevenson * Evidence of a Christmas spirit network in the brain - Research by the University of Copenhagen published in the British Medical Journal* (There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays by Perry Como* The Calm Christmas Podcast Season 2 Episode 5: Nest* The Calm Christmas Podcast Season 3 Episode 4: Deck the Halls* Selvedge Winter Fair* National Trust* St Martin in the Fields advent carol serviceReferenced books + recommendations* Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year by Beth Kempton (Piatkus)* Rest and Calm by Paula Hines* The Get-Ahead Christmas Cook by Jane Lovett (Headline Home)* Christmas is Coming by Auriol Bishop (Headline Home)Ingredients for the recipe shared (Jane Lovett’s Cheesy Garlic Hedgehog Bread)· 175 g of butter, with extra for greasing· 3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped· a handful of parsley, chopped· 200 g taleggio cheese· one round white loaf of rustic country style bread, like a cob or boule· some sea salt flakesWhat you need for the craft project (Auriol Bishop’s Citrus star garland)· some citrus fruit (clementine, satsuma, orange etc)· cookie cutters in Christmas shapes· a knitting needle or a skewer· scissors· string or twine This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit calmchristmas.substack.com

This week’s episode is called Give Love This Year, gratitude and gifting, and I'm sending it out to you from my kitchen table, which is currently covered in wrapping paper, ribbon, my fabric stash, the good scissors, the silver pens, stickers, tape, stamps and ink. Let me get you a cuppa. We're going to be here for a while.This episode is full of probing questions that will help you come up with unusual, thoughtful gifts for your loved ones, as well as ideas for wrapping mindfully.It also includes:- Some fascinating facts about the history of gift giving, including a brilliant idea for topsy turvy gift giving from Roman times - An invitation to seek out winter sunshine and other gifts from nature- Gorgeous recipes for Rachel de Thample’s Rise & Shine Tisane and Gemma Ogston’s immunity protection dressing- A lovely craft project which can also help us deal with overwhelm- Thoughts on dealing with loneliness- Help with coming up with inspired gift ideas for your loved ones including some beautiful gifting ideas from listeners around the world (You can find my FREE Ultimate Gift Guide for Writers here and download my free printable planner to keep track of your gift lists here)- Our usual get ahead dates and key dates for the week aheadTell me: What is the one thing you most want to experience for yourself this winter? What will you gift yourself this year?Beth XxPS If you enjoyed this episode, please do tell your friends about it!Lovely things for you* Head to @bethkempton on Instagram for the chance to win The Soul of Gift Wrapping by Megumi Lorna Inouye and a personalised, signed copy of my book Calm Christmas along with a complementary place on my flagship course Do What You Love.* Join the Winter Writing Sanctuary for free HERE. https://dowhatyouloveforlife.com/product/winter-writing-sanctuary-live-oct2026/* Get my brand new Ultimate Gift Guide for Writers here (it’s free)* Download a printable Calm Christmas Planner here (also free).* Give someone (or yourself) the life-changing gift of a trajectory-shifting online course with up to 50% off all my courses (which can be given as gift vouchers!) at dowhatyouloveforlife.comIngredients for Rachel de Thample’s Rise & Shine Tisane* Half a lemon* Half a teaspoon of fennel seeds* One or two bay leaves, fresh or dried* 250 ml of freshly boiled waterIngredients for Gemma Ogston‘s immunity-protection dressing* 180 ml olive oil* 120 ml apple cider vinegar* 60 ml of water* Three tablespoons of runny honey* Three garlic cloves chopped* 5cm fresh ginger, peeled and chopped* Quarter of a teaspoon of ground turmericFor the Snow Globe* A clean jam jar* Waterproof glue, like the glue in a hot glue gun* Eco glitter* A small figure* Glycerine* Some waterReferences + recommendations* Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year by Beth Kempton* The Soul of Gift Wrapping by Megumi Lorna Inouye* Winter Wellness by Rachel de Thample* The Yogic Kitchen by Jody Vassallo* Japan The Vegetarian Cookbook by Nancy Singleton Hachisu* The Healing Cookbook by Gemma Ogston* Deliciously Ella Quick & Easy by Ella Mills* Everyday Super Food by Jamie Oliver* The Self-Care Year by Alison Davies (Quadrille)Charities that can support you if you are feeling lonely* Mind* The Silver Line* Samaritans* ShoutPrevious Calm Christmas episodes on gifting for even more ideas* Season 1 Episode 6 Mindful Gifting* Season 2 Episode 4 Love* Season 3 Episode 3 We Three KingsOther links:* Give Love This Year by Fitz and the Tantrums* Why do we give gifts at Christmas? Andrew Hann, English Heritage* Mixbook (for printing photo books)Photos: Holly Bobbins This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit calmchristmas.substack.com

Here in Episode 1 Hear the Bells, we begin this new season of the Calm Christmas Podcast by the sea, listening to the sound of the waves and contemplating what it really means to rest. We will share a hot cuppa and conversations about longing and joy, and much more including:·      A new Light Corner·      Our old favourites – Nature and Wellbeing Corners·      A lovely hot drink recipe·      Traditions from around the world·      Get ahead tips·      Some lovely goodies for youWith inspiration from @KerriniDochartaigh @botanical_tales @nigelslater @francescaamber @rspca_official @bbc @leigh.standley @mudnbloom and Sam Kamkanamge.Enjoy!Beth XxLovely things·Head to @bethkempton on Instagram for the chance to win our first festive book giveaway of the season!· Join the Winter Writing Sanctuary for free HERE.· Download a printable Calm Christmas Planner for free HERE. What you need for the Mud & Bloom leaf lanterns:- Autumn leaves- Jam jars- PVA glue- A paint brush- Cotton thread in autumnal colours- Tea lights Hot apple recipe ingredients:- Apple juice (we use clear but cloudy would be fine)- The peel of a satsuma or clementine, artfully twisty if you have that skill-  A cinnamon stick-  A little bit of ginger- Other spices like cloves or star anise, if you like them- Some honey or sugar References:·      Cacophony of Bone by Kerri ni Dochartaigh (Canongate)·      Kokoro: Japanese wisdom for a life well lived by Beth Kempton (Piatkus)·      The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater (Fourth Estate)·      Joy. Boats. Time. On longing, choices and the tyranny of ‘just’ essay on Substack·      Shakti mat (no affiliation)·      How you can help garden wildlife this winter (BBC Newsround)·      Leigh Standley’s spell pot·      Autumn Leaf Lanterns how-to (Mud + Bloom)·      Hear the Bells by Calexico video·      Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year by Beth Kempton (Piatkus)·      Sen Wellness This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit calmchristmas.substack.com

Welcome back friends! This is the trailer for the new season of Calm Christmas, the UK’s favourite festive podcast. Today I have a simple yet profound question for you to ponder in the week ahead, before Episode 1 ‘Hear the Bells’ is released on November 14.Winter is wilder than autumn. The darkness sets in long with the cold and the wet. We want to make fire light candles, huddle up, gather to eat, count our blessings. Our ancient longing for connection, warmth, joy and magic is the song of winter. We hear it in the howling of the wind and the creaking of the trees in the traditional carols and jaunty pop songs, in the laughter that rings out as we don a Christmas hat, in the memories that we turn as we unbox the decorations and hang them once again on the tree. May this podcast help us tune into the nourishing parts, minimize the exhausting parts, acknowledge the darkness and seek out the light.Season Four will carry us from early November through to January 1, offering a weekly calling back towards slowness and calm. There will be seasonal stories and recipes, memories and journalling invitations, craft ideas, get ahead tips, wintery words and the sharing of traditions from listeners all around the world. Most of all, there will be companionship, as we, the Keepers of Christmas, settle in each week for a moment of pause and a little bit of festive magic. As the darkness begins to inhale the light, may our gathering be a lantern to guide us through the season and into the new year. Beth XxPS Be sure to subscribe to calmchristmas.substack.com where you will find all of the podcast archives, free wintry essays into your inbox and some lovely festive goodies (including my FREE printable Calm Christmas planner) waiting for you.Find me on Instagram @bethkempton or on Substack @bethkempton This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit calmchristmas.substack.com

The UK’s #1 favourite Christmas podcast is back for a one-off special to mark the turning of the season and the gift of a leap day as winter gives way to spring. This bonus episode ‘FAREWELL WINTER’ includes:-       A beautiful ritual for bidding farewell to winter-       An insight into the tradition of ‘leap day’-       Ideas for celebrating the arrival of spring-       A peek into Japanese microseasons-       Some gorgeous words capturing the feeling of the season turning-       Our wellbeing and nature corners-       A peek into my brand new book KOKORO (which is out on April 4)-       An inspiring writing prompt and moreWith inspiration from Mary Webb, Masaoka Shiki, Alan Watts, Lin Yutang, Madoka Mayuzumi, Tadashi Terashima, Yosa Buson and Christina Georgia Rossetti.Why not take a walk this week, and have a listen while looking out for signs of spring where you are? (And for those of you in the southern hemisphere, may it be an invitation for you to notice signs of autumn).Beth XxHandy links:·      My new book KOKORO: Japanese wisdom for a life well lived (Piatkus) (or free international shipping when you order via Blackwells here)·      Get FREE access to my new seasonal writing sanctuary Spring Light when you pre-order  KOKORO from any retailer (Here’s the link for Blackwells who are offering free international shipping). Once you have ordered it in any format from any retailer, go to bethkempton.com/kokoro and pop your receipt details in the short form there. ·      My haiku essay: The Life-Changing Magic of Writing Haiku: finding beauty and solace in a heartbeat sized poem For all show notes including book and article reference links please click here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit calmchristmas.substack.com

Here we are completing another circle around the sun. We have clambered across the fabric of another year, stitched together adventures, stories, and memories, darned some holes as neatly as we could, knotted threads of new colour into our lives, and we are now here at the edge looking back across all we have woven in the past twelve months. This is a wonderful time to focus on gratitude, to reflect on the year gone by, choose what to leave behind in this year, do some gentle dreaming for the year ahead and cross the threshold of the year together, with hope, dreams and a steaming cup of tea.This episode includes: Tips for dreaming and scheming for the year aheadAn exclusive excerpt from my new book Kokoro: Japanese wisdom for a life well lived (out April 2024)New Year traditions from around the world (from lovely listeners!)A craft project for gratitudeOur nature cornerA writing promptSome lovely words to ease you into the new yearPLUS A lovely giveaway (enter on my Instagram @bethkempton)·      With inspiration from: @SimpleThingsMag, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Emily Thomas and James Weston Lewis, Lindsey Harrad @livemoreplantfully, Brenda Wells, Emily Silva @soulsadventures, Max EhrmannHandy links:·      Sky View app·      StarWalk 2 app·      Thompson-Morgan gardening newsletter·      My Book Proposal Masterclass course (next class runs live from Jan 29)·      The Way of the Fearless Writer: Ancient Eastern wisdom for a flourishing writing life  by Beth Kempton (Piatkus) – just 99p on Kindle on Amazon UK throughout JanuaryThis week’s giveaway·      Chance to win a lovely journal and a personalized signed copy of my book Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year over on @bethkempton on Instagram Click here for all show notes including featured books.Wishing you a very happy new year, friend.Beth Xx This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit calmchristmas.substack.com

These are the days in between. The liminal space that hovers beyond the festivities and the before the arrival of a fresh New Year. I call this time 'the Hush', when the world slows and some kind of portal opens up. This episode is all about making the most of this precious time and it includes:Ideas for different ways to spend these days in betweenA beautiful winter visualisation to help you open to whatever might be calling youA full moon bathing ritualA comforting recipeOur nature cornerSome get ahead tips for NEXT Christmas (you’ll be glad of them, I promise)PLUS A self-care giveaway (enter on my Instagram @bethkempton)With inspiration from: @gill.meller @slowhomepod @BrookeMcAlary, Elizabeth Jenner, Dakota Hills and Sierra Brashear @superbeamix.Handy links:·      Full moon calendar ·      Last chance to join my Winter Writing Sanctuary (FREE) Starts December 28!This week’s giveaway·      Chance to win some lovely self-care goodies and a personalized signed copy of my book Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year over on @bethkempton on Instagram  Ingredients for Gill Meller's Homity Potatoes recipe:(Serves 4 or more) You will need:8 baking potatoes1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil15g (5 ½ oz) butter2 leeks, sliced into rounds2 onions, halved and sliced1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard100g (3 ½ oz) mature cheddar, finely gratedSea salt and freshly ground black pepperFeatured in this episode:·      Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year by Beth Kempton (Piatkus)·      What to look for in Winter by Elizabeth Jenner (Ladybird)·      Moon Bath: Bathing rituals and recipes for relaxation and vitality by Dakota Hills and Sierra Brashear·      Outside: Recipes for a wilder way of eating by Gill Meller·      Care: The radical art of taking time by Brooke McAlaryEnjoy!Beth XxYou can find all the show notes here: https://bethkempton.com/ccpodcast-shownotes/  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit calmchristmas.substack.com

It’s nearly Christmas Eve. Can you feel the magic hovering? If ever there was a time to take a deep breath and let go of all that has not been done to embrace what is here, that time is now. Pull up a chair and relax, my friend. It is Christmas, after all. This very Christmassy episode will ease you into Christmas, reminding you what really matters and encouraging you to let things be perfectly imperfect.This episode includes: A little story from the Arctic CircleA letter from Father ChristmasA moment of reflectionA wintery writing prompt A quick craft idea to give you a fun thing to do on Christmas dayChristmas traditions from around the world (from lovely listeners!)Our nature cornerThose last few get ahead tipsMy Christmas message for youWith inspiration from: Matsuo Basho, Laurie Lee, Johnny Coppin, @NadiykaGerbish, Yaroslav Hrytsak, Dot May Dunn, Elizabeth Jenner, Malcolm Bird, Alan Dart, Kenneth Grahame, JRR Tolkien, Bailey Tolkien and Father Christmas. Handy links:KakslauttenenSweet Salty Spicy Party Nuts recipeEscape to a cosy world of words in my Winter Writing Sanctuary (FREE) December 28-January 6Ingredients for Roasted Nuts recipe shared in this episode:Your choice of nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, brazil nuts, cashews and almonds, and macademias) Any extra flavours you might like such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds and fresh rosemaryMaple syrupButter (optional)Featured in this episode:The Matsuo Basho haiku poem in this episode can be found in Basho: The Complete Haikutranslated by Jane Reichhold (Kodansha) p.658Letters from Father Christmasby JRR Tolkien, edited by Baillie TolkienCider with Rosie by Laurie Lee - excerpt shared can be found in A Country Christmas edited by Johnny Coppin (The Windrush Press) p.47A Ukranian Christmas, by Nadiyka Gerbish and Yaroslav Hrytsak. (Sphere) p.11 and p.15Christmas Around the Village Greenby Dot May Dunn (Orion, p.46)What to look for in Winter by Elizabeth Jenner (Ladybird)The Christmas Handbook by Malcolm Bird and Alan DartThe Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame (as featured in Favorite Poems for Christmas: A Child’s Collection (Bushel & Peck Books) p.8You can find all the show notes here: https://bethkempton.com/ccpodcast-shownotes/  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit calmchristmas.substack.com

This week's episode is dedicated to those we love and miss, to encourage us all – me included – to take all the time we need to feel all the things we are going to feel in the days ahead. I hope you find this episode to be a comfort.  Of course I am not going to tell you how to be or what to do as you face Christmas without a loved one, or face it carrying any other sense of grief. What I am going to do is share some ideas for pausing, honouring and remembering our loved ones, along with some gentle advice from people who work with bereaved families, and some beautiful poems and readings which I hope will offer us some comfort.In March this year my lovely mum was diagnosed with terminal cancer out of the blue, and died in a hospice three weeks later. I was by her side for nearly all of that time. It was devastating in its brevity and impact, but it was also just about enough time for us to leave nothing unsaid. We talked about Christmas, and she gave me some ideas for this season of the podcast, particularly for this episode. When I think about that now, I am floored by her bravery and selflessness, and the way that in having those conversations, she has managed to give us a Christmas gift this year too. I hope this episode will give you an opportunity to pause, honour and remember those you love and miss, and find some joy and light in this darkest of seasons.This episode includes: Gentle ideas for pausing, honouring and remembering those we love and missA beautiful ritual for connecting with the memory and light of a loved one (you might want to bring a candle, some matches, a notebook and a pen)How the Five Stories of Christmas can help us feel close to our loved onesPermission not to have a ‘happy Christmas’Some gorgeous poems and readingsA writing prompt to help you get your feelings down on paperA lovely craft ideaChristmas traditions from around the world (from lovely listeners!)Our nature corner, welcoming the Winter SolsticeGet ahead tips before Christmas is upon usAnd a blessing for youPLUS A self-care giveaway (enter on my Instagram @bethkempton)With inspiration from:@donnaashworthwords @optionb @andygrammer @stoswaldsuk @joannemallon Bertolt Brecht, Sarah Crossnan, Dana Gioia, @sheep1sh Neil Astley, Pamela Robertson-Pearce, Phillis Levin, @thehungryyear Kevin Young, Ashley Muller, @glass_walls_life Austie M Baird, Cherie Arnitt, @warsanshiree @williamsieghart, Robert Frost, @lydiamillen @lia_leendertz @rebeccacampbell_author @katecbowler, John O’DonohueLeave a note remembering your loved one on the self-care giveaway post on my Instagram @bethkempton here. https://instagram.com/bethkemptonYou can find all the show notes including to all featured books here.Handy links:·      The Life-Changing Magic of Writing Haiku (free essay on my Substack) ·      St Oswald’s Hospice donation link (where Brenda works) ·      Escape to a cosy world of words in my Winter Writing Sanctuary (FREE) December 28-January 6  This week’s giveaway·      Chance to win some lovely self-care goodies and a personalized signed copy of my book Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year over on @bethkempton on Instagram Beth Xx This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit calmchristmas.substack.com

This delicious episode is all about festive feasting – from the main event to all those gatherings and feedings in between. I adore cookbooks and share a lot in this episode, along with some other food-related delights. I hope it gets you flicking through your own recipe books and planning for some special time around the table this year.This episode includes:-       Snippets from some of my favourite Christmassy cookbooks-       Tips for reducing the stress of Christmas cooking, and being mindful of costs-       A story about the day it all changed in our household-       Some ideas for laying your Christmas table-       Christmas (food-related) traditions from around the world -       Two super simple recipes-       Get ahead tips before Christmas arrives-       PLUS a lovely giveaway (enter at @bethkempton on Instagram)With inspiration from:@auriolb @dianahenryfood @lisanieschlag @larswentrup @sam__dixon @gizzierskine @nigelslater @nigellalawson @jamieoliver @dethample, Delia Smith @housebeautifuluk @housebeautifulHandy links:·      Help yourself to the Christmas Meal Planner in my FREE Calm Christmas Planner here ·      House Beautiful cracker making tutorial ·      Click here to book your FREE place on my Winter Writing Sanctuary ·      Up to 50% off all my writing and personal development courses in my winter sale hereThis week’s giveaway·      Chance to win a copy of Winter Wellness by Rachel de Thample and a personalized signed copy of my book Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year over on @bethkempton on Instagram Full shownotes here.Beth Xx This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit calmchristmas.substack.com

There is a particular kind of joy in the simple act of curling up in an armchair with a book on a winter's day, or going to a café with nothing to do but take in the next chapter, or going to bed early and sitting up against soft pillows to read by lamplight. Words can be a real comfort in the darkest of seasons - both those we read and those we write. I hope this episode inspires you to pull down a favourite book off the shelf and have a read, or perhaps treat yourself to some poetry, or a new story, or a self-help book that is going to carry you through the winter. I also hope it is going to inspire you to get out your notebook and write some of your own words, as the fire crackles and the tree lights flicker.This episode includes:Wintery words to inspire youLots of cosy reading recommendations Inspiration for writing as a tool for wellbeingNature cornerChristmas traditions from around the world (from lovely listeners!)Get ahead tips as Christmas edges closerPLUS A lovely cosy giveaway (enter on my Instagram @bethkempton)With inspiration from Peter Hennessy, Josephine Greywoode, Alexandra Harris, Jane McMorland Hunter @alittlecitygarden, Tom Hennen, Phyllis Cole-Dai, Ruby R Wilson, Horatio Clare @horatiowrites, Nancy Campbell, Kevin Parr, @MattBakerOfficial, @FrancescaBeauman, Ono no Komachi, @SandrineBailly, Kim Simonsen, Randi Ward, Chris McCabe @mccabio1977, Freddie Jones, Andrew McRae, Robert Bridges, @Mark_Nepo, Elizabeth Jenner, @NationalTrust, Greg Loades @hull_urban_gardener, Shawn Bythell @bookshopwigtown, @cheftimanderson @hollyringland @therosiewalsh @mattzhaig, Muriel Barbery, Jenny Colgan @jennycolganwriter @jennycolganbooks, Joanne Harris @joannechocolat.PS See the full show notes here for recipe ingredients and other links. Lovely things for you:·      Read my how to write a haiku essay and subscribe for free at https://bethkempton.substack.com·      CLICK HERE to download the free Calm Christmas Planner ·      CLICK HERE to register for my Winter Writing Sanctuary (Dec 28-Jan 6), also free this year ·      Get up to 50% off ALL my writing courses in my winter gratitude sale at https://dowhatyouloveforlife.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit calmchristmas.substack.com

Did you know it is scientifically proven that decorating for Christmas can actually make you happier? Oh yes my friends, it is in the interests of our health that we get those fairy lights up... With the weather getting chillier outside, it is the perfect time to start thinking about how to make our homes festive and cosy, and a sanctuary of wellbeing and rest for the winter. This episode includes:Lots of ideas for decorating in a way that engages all the senses, and brings nature indoors.Wellbeing tips for inviting in restNature cornerA beautiful writing prompt for connecting with the moonA fun and super easy crafting project to tryChristmas traditions from around the world (from lovely listeners!)Recipes for hot drinks to bring joy, and nourishGet ahead tips before December arrivesPLUS A lovely cosy giveaway (enter on my Instagram @bethkempton)With inspiration from Christopher Yokel, @realsimplemagazine, Lucy Hunter @theflowerhunter, Bex Partridge of @botanical_tales, Grace Alexander of @graceaexanderflowers, @piajanebijkerk, Ark Redwood, Lisa Hood, Lisa Hood @lahoodyoga, Lizzie Kamenetzky @deliciouslizzie, @marinawrightwellness, Anja Dunk, @StEvalCandles and @royalmuseumsgreenwich.PS See the full show notes here for recipe ingredients and other links.Lovely free things for you:·      CLICK HERE to download my free simple guide to making a wreath x·      CLICK HERE to download the free Calm Christmas Planner ·      CLICK HERE to register for my Winter Writing Sanctuary (Dec 28-Jan 6), also free this year Featured in this episode:·      Cold by Christopher Yokel in Winter Poems: New and Selected by Christopher Yokel (self-published) p.9·      The Flower Hunter: Creating a floral love story inspired by the landscape by Lucy Hunter (Ryland Peters Small) p.197·      The Everyday Alchemist’s Festive Season Reimagined by Pia Jane Bijkerk (self-published) p.32·      The Art of Mindful Gardening: Sowing the Seeds of Meditation by Ark Redwood (Leaping Hare Press) p.113·      Moon Yoga by Lisa Hood (Godsfield) p.63·      Winter Cabin Cooking by Lizzie Kamanetzky (Ryland, Peters & Small) p.7 and p.166·      Advent: Festive German Bakes to Celebrate the Coming of Christmas by Anja Dunk (Quadrille) p.4 and p.199·      Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year: A little book of fe This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit calmchristmas.substack.com

Today is all about mindful gifting. Listen to this before Black Friday hits! It’s almost impossible to think about Christmas without thinking about presents, and I know it’s still early, but starting to think about mindful gifting now can save us stress, save us money, help us give things that will genuinely bring joy, and give us time to enjoy the process of dreaming up ideas, making or buying, wrapping them and delivering them in good time.This episode includes:Why being more mindful about gifting at Christmas can be good for our mental health as well as our walletsWhat kind of conversations to have now to make gifting easier and more joyfulWhat we are doing in my house to spend less but bring more joyMy three gifting guideposts (they will save you wasting your precious money on presents that people don’t actually want)The joy of advent calendarsNature cornerChristmas traditions from around the world (from lovely listeners!)A great recipe from Mark Diacono that makes a fab gift + my own homemade granola recipe (back by popular demand!)A fab giveaway worth £700 (enter on my Instagram @bethkempton)With inspiration from:@ ArounnaKhounnoraj @countrylivinguk @noor_unnahar @emilysilva @Mark Diacono @editbyemily (Emily Dawe)Lovely things for you:·      The FREE Calm Christmas Planner (a little book of festive printables which includes my unusual but highly effective approach to budgeting, plus tons of mindful gift ideas)·      My Winter Writing Sanctuary 10-day FREE online writing class Beth XxPS See the full show notes here for recipe ingredients etc. If you are worried about money call the National Debtline in the UK on 0808 808 4000 or seek out a similar organisation in your country.Featured in this episode:Winter Celebrations by Arounna Khounnoraj (Quadrille) Country Living Country Christmas by Francine Lawrence (Editor) (Ebury) [List of Everything I Want by Noor Unnahar in New Names for Lost Things by Noor Unnahar (Andrews McMeel) Sunrise Gratitude by Emily Silva (Rock Point) Paper Christmas by Emily Dawe (Search Press) Spice: A cook’s companion by Mark Diacono (Quadrille) Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year: A Little Book of Festive Joy by Beth Kempton (Piatkus)  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit calmchristmas.substack.com

The modern world calls us on us to be visible, to be sociable, to be ‘out there’ and tell everyone about it, not to mention to fill our days rushing from one thing to the next to keep up with everything society makes us feel we should be doing, nevermind the pressure from advertisers to create the perfect Christmas, and the knowledge that we are soon to be bombarded by visions of other people’s perfect Christmases online in the coming months, and it is a lot. This year I want to entertain the idea of giving ourselves permission to be less visible if we want to, less sociable if we want to, more ‘in here’ than ‘out there’ when that feels good, and to slow right down, and to do less, in a way which feels like more, without feeling guilty about it.That’s why, before we dive into all the chaos of the festive season, and all the joyful themes coming up on the podcast, like gift giving, festive feasting, gathering and more, I wanted to take the time to do a whole episode on nourishing ourselves – mind, body and soul. This includes asking for, and receiving, what we need at this time of year, even if that isn’t what society wants us to want, because it does not fit the commercial agenda, or the plans of our loudest friends, or anyone’s expectations. Welcome to The Calm Christmas Podcast. I am Beth Kempton and this is Episode 2: Candlelight Carol, which is all about radical winter wellbeing.This episode includes:·      Why retreating is a good idea ·      Practical ways to nourish yourself in winter·      Our regular nature corner·      Christmas traditions from around the world (including several shared by listeners!)·      A lovely simple crafting project that might even become a Christmas gift for someone·      Two lovely recipes (hello nourishment!)·      Get ahead tips and more!With inspiration from @brie.doyle, @tracee_stanley, @davidjwhyte, @silverpebble2 (Emma Mitchell), @bonniesmithwhitehouse, @deliciouslyella, @ellamills__, @nancyhachisu, Fiona Danks, Jo Schofield, Elizabeth Jenner, and Emily Thomas. Lovely things for you:·      GIVEAWAY - ! This week I am giving away a very special gift for YOU AND A FRIEND! It includes some beautiful solid skincare from my friends at SBTRCT along with a personalized, signed copy of my book Calm Christmas for EACH of you. Hop over to Instagram @bethkempton to enter. If you are listening to this after the giveaway deadline, don’t worry. I am going to be doing various lovely giveaways each week up to Christmas so there will be something waiting there for you!·      CALM CHRISTMAS PLANNER – Download yours for free here (if link is broken go to dowhatyouloveforlife.com)I hope this podcast will help you locate Christmas as an anchor in the stormy seas of winter in this world right now.Take good care,Beth(@bethkempton on Instagram / bethkempton.substack.com / dowhatyouloveforlife.com)All show notes with book and article references etc and ingredients for recipes can be found here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit calmchristmas.substack.com

Come on in out of the wind, my friend. I am so glad you found this old cottage, hidden away as it is in a small village in the South West of England. Come on through to the kitchen, pull up a chair. There are gingerbread stars fresh out of the oven and steaming tea in the pot. How have you been, my friend? I am so glad you are here and I’ve got so much to share with you.What a joy it is to welcome you to a third season of The Calm Christmas Podcast, timed just as autumn turns to leave and in its shadow offers us a glimpse of winter. Here on the podcast we trace the turning of the seasons in nature and in our minds and hearts, we seek out ways to be more mindful about the approaching holidays, and I offer inspiration and tips for using this time to rest and restore after another full year. This third season is all about seeking slow.This episode includes:·      The importance of slowing down for making the most of the holidays and for taking care of ourselves·      Tips for slowing down·      Allotment chit chat and our regular nature corner·      Christmas traditions from around the world (including several shared by listeners!)·      An autumnal crafting project·      Two lovely autumnal recipes·      Get ahead tips and more!Lovely things for you:·      GIVEAWAY - To be in with the chance of winning a copy of Rosie Steer’s gorgeous new book Slow Seasons and a personalised, signed copy of Calm Christmas by me, Beth Kempton, enter on Instagram @bethkempton (deadline 4pm UK time on Sunday 12 November)·      CALM CHRISTMAS PLANNER – Download yours for free here (if link is broken go to dowhatyouloveforlife.com)I hope this podcast will help you locate Christmas as an anchor in the stormy seas of winter in this world right now.For more details of my book Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year go to bethkempton.com/christmas or buy a copy from Amazon or any good bookshop. Or why not get the audiobook and listen to one chapter a week up to and through the holiday season? Take good care, Beth (@bethkempton on Instagram / bethkempton.substack.com / dowhatyouloveforlife.com)Featured in this episode:·      Reading from Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year: A little book of festive joy by Beth Kempton (Piatkus)p.15 / US edition here (Scribner)  ·      Research about the health benefits of bananas hereIngredients for recipes shared can be found here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit calmchristmas.substack.com

Friends, it's nearly time! The Calm Christmas Podcast is back for a new season. Our theme for this year is 'Seeking slow this winter'. The new season will begin on November 8, and then new episodes will drop every weekend until the new year. Over the past few years Christmas has become, for many, overcommercialised, and a time of stress and exhaustion. The Calm Christmas Podcast is about turning away from that kind of holiday season, and instead finding joy and spreading cheer without sacrificing our wellbeing.My name is Beth Kempton – author, mama, Christmas lover and host of this, The Calm Christmas Podcast, which I send out weekly in November and December, from my kitchen table in a small thatched cottage in Devon, in the South West of England. This season is all about slowing down, and I hope it’s just what you need this year.This has been the hardest year of my life. It has also, in many ways, been one of the most precious. It is on the back of those shadows and that light that I bring you Season 3 of The Calm Christmas Podcast, and I hope it will be a lantern leading you through the darkness of late autumn and winter, into a fresh new year. Each week I offer ideas for inviting in the kind of Christmas you want and need this year, inspiration for getting outdoors and noticing what is happening in nature, holiday traditions from around the world including many shared by you lovely listeners, crafting ideas, journaling prompts, rituals, moonwatching, stargazing, recipes, book recommendations, ideas for making your home festive and cosy, mindful gifts that won’t cost you a fortune, and perhaps most importantly, a moment of quiet in the rush of the season, to breathe, and plan how to make the most of this time with those you love, to honour those you miss, and treasure what matters to you most.I hope you will make space for The Calm Christmas Podcast this year. Subscribe now, mark your calendar for November 8 and join me back here for Episode 1: Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, which is all about seeking slow this season.And please, tell your friends. Let’s make this Christmas – and this whole time of year – different and special, or whatever you want and need it to be. *********************************************The Calm Christmas Podcast has been recommended by Vanity Fair,  Ideal Home Magazine, The Times, Radio Times, The Handbook, Great British Podcasts and more. I hope you love it!Beth Xx (@bethkempton on Instagram) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit calmchristmas.substack.com

Christmas is coming. Can you feel it in the air? I can, and I love that feeling. And it’s why I am here with you again, for a special edition of the Calm Christmas Podcast.  Rather than a whole series this year, to honour my own need for proper rest this winter I have created you a bumper special episode, to help you settle in to a cosy winter. This one is longer than usual at almost an hour, so get yourself a hot cuppa, or pull on your boots and head out for a lovely long walk as you listen. This episode includes the most important question to ask yourself right now, a host of journaling prompts, our nature corner, recipes, wellbeing ideas and tips for getting ahead for Christmas.With inspiration from Nigel Slater, John D Burns, Edward Step, Melissa Harrison, Clare Foster, Andrew Montgomery, Lia Leendertz, Jody Vassallo, Mark Diacono, Keratin Niehoff, Laura Fleiter, James Martin, Paul Hollywood and BBC Good Food.I hope this podcast will help you locate Christmas as an anchor in the stormy seas of winter in this world right now.GIVEAWAY: To be in with the chance of winning a copy of Spice by Mark Diacono and a personalised, signed copy of Calm Christmas by Beth Kempton, enter on Instagram @bethkempton (deadline midnight UK time on Friday December 2) Take good care, Beth Featured in this episode:- Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year by Beth Kempton (Piatkus) - The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater (4th Estate) - Wild Winter by John D Burns (Vertebrate Publishing) -  Edward Step in Nature Rambles: An Introduction to Country-lore, 1930, in Winter: An anthology for the changing seasons edited by Melissa Harrison (Elliott & Thompson)- Winter Gardens by Clare Foster and Andrew Montgomery (Montgomery Press) - The Almanac 2022 by Lia Leendertz (Gaia) - The Yogic Kitchen by Jody Vassalo (HQ) - Spice: A cook’s companion by Mark Diacono (Quadrille) -  Advent by Kerstin Niehoff and Laura Fleiter (Murdoch) - The Fearless Writer Podcast - James Martin’s homemade mincemeat recipe / Paul Hollywood’s mince pie recipe Ingredients for recipes shared are available here. Transcript available here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit calmchristmas.substack.com