The Calm Christmas Podcast with Beth Kempton

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

Welcome to The Hush – that precious, liminal space between Christmas and New Year. In today’s episode, the final one of this series, we explore the idea of ‘less doing, more dreaming’. These are the days in-between. This is a precious time to breathe deeply, savour moments with loved ones or alone and feel the world slowing just for a moment. It's a time for reflection and releasing, meandering, and dreaming. This episode includes a very special visualisation to help you open up to what might be calling you, along with some prompts to explore in your journal ahead of the new year. With inspiration from Susan Coolidge. I hope you love this final episode, and that it ushers you gently into the new year, with a heart full of hope. Beth XxPS Don’t miss my free poetry challenge #tinywinterpoem coming to my Instagram feed @bethkempton in January!Featured in this episode: New Every Morning by Susan Coolidge in The Poetry Pharmacy, edited by William Sieghart Download a FREE copy of my Perfectly Imperfect 2022 Digital Planner here and start visualising what might be next for you.   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

So here we are in Christmas week! This week I am sharing a few quiet words and a couple of festive recipes (for you and for the birds) to bring a sprinkling of calm as the festivities peak. With inspiration from Julia Baird, Emma Mitchell, and Maya Angelou. Wishing you whatever kind of Christmas you want and need this year.Beth XxPhosphorescence by Julia Baird p.286  (William Collins)Making Winter by Emma Mitchell  (LOM Art)Untitled by Maya Angelou in Celebrations: Rituals of peace and prayer by Maya Angelou  (Virago)Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year: A Little Book of Festive Joy by Beth Kempton (Piatkus)Ingredients for featured recipes:(1)   For the birdsYou will need:250g block of lard250g wild berries like rosehips or hawthorn, or dried fruit like dried cranberries or sultana, wild bird seed, and porridge oats (250g in total, in any combination of berries, seeds and oats)A saucepan of boiling waterA heatproof bowl to make a bain-marieYoghurt pots, fibre plant pots or coconut halvesGarden twine(2) For you2 litres still or sparkling cider or apple juice 2 large or 3 small apples, washed, cored and sliced but not peeled3 oranges or 8 tangerines (washed and sliced but not peeled),1 lemon (zest and juice only)1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground allspice, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 8 cloves, 6 short cinnamon sticks6 tablespoons brown sugar 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

Ease yourself through the holiday preparations with this gentle episode all about rest, including a host of ideas for taking care of yourself as winter moves in. With inspiration from Liza Dalby (@lizadalby), Jilly Shipway, Shiva Rea (@shivarea108), Lucy Brazier (@brazier.lucy), Claudia Hammond (@claudie_hammond_), Gareth Owen, Katherine May (@katherinemay_) and Sonoko Sakai (@sonokosakai).Featured in this episode:East Wind Melts the Ice by Liza Dalby (Chatto & Windus)Tending the Heart Fire by Shiva Rea (Sounds True) Yoga Through the Year by Jilly Shipway  (Llewelyn)River Cottage Christmas by Lucy Brazier (Bloomsbury)The Art of Rest by Claudia Hammond  (Canongate)Wabi Sabi: Japanese wisdom for a perfectly imperfect life by Beth Kempton (Piatkus) Winter Days by Gareth Owen in The Oxford Book of Christmas Poems edited by Michael Harrison (Oxford University Press) Wintering by Katherine May Japanese Home Cooking by Sonoko Sakai (Shambala)Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year: A Little Book of Festive Joy by Beth Kempton (Piatkus)Jennifer Piercy’s Melatonin Magic yoga nidra meditation is here on Insight Timer.  You can download a FREE copy of The Perfectly Imperfect 2022 Digital Planner here, to help you reflect on the year and look ahead to 2022. Ingredients for the featured recipe (makes 4 servings)•   3.5 cups or 830ml dashi stock - there are wonderful recipes for making your own dashi in the book, but you can also buy it as stock from places like the Japan Centre.•   3 tablespoons of white or red miso•   2 oz (57g) mushrooms of your choice, stems removed and sliced 1/4 inch or 6mm thick•   4oz (113g) soft or medium-firm tofu, cut into 1/4 inch (6mm) dice•   1 teaspoon yuzu or lemon peel, pith removedYou can buy dashi stock from Japanese supermarkets and stores such as japancentre.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

A lovely, relaxing episode to ease you into a place of restfulness this winter, including a beautiful meditation, some gorgeous winter poetry, and some tips for finding calm in the chaos. With inspiration from Hakuin, Brian Patton, Roger McGough, Mark Strand, the Royal Horticultural Society (@the_rhs), Joey Hulin (@joeyhulin_writer), Isobel Carlson, Donna Hay (@donna.hay), and Country Living (@countrylivinguk).Featured in this episode: Untitled poem by Hakuin from Three Zen Masters by John Stevens (Kodansha)Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year: A Little Book of Festive Joy by Beth Kempton (Piatkus)First Snow in the Street by Brian Patton in 100 Best Christmas Poems for Children, edited by Roger McGough  (SPCK Publishing)Lines for Winter by Mark Strand in Poem for the Day Two edited by Retta Bowen, Nick Temple, Stephanie Wienrich and Nicholas Albery (Chatto & Windus) Your Spiritual Almanac by Joey Hulin  (Laurence King)RHS Gardening Through the Year by Ian Spence (DK) The Seaside Year by Isobel Carlson (Summersdale)Country Living Christmas (magazine) Christmas Feasts and Treats by Donna Hay  (Harper Collins)Ingredients for the featured recipe (Rocky Road)Makes six1kg of dark chocolate (chopped)2 tablespoons vegetable oil130g sweetened dried cranberries 200g marshmallows250g Turkish Delight pieces50g of coconut flakes 140g of shelled unsalted pistachios, chopped 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