The Calm Christmas Podcast with Beth Kempton

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 more With 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 Xx Handy 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.

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: Instagram @bethkempton· With inspiration from: @SimpleThingsMag, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Emily Thomas and James Weston Lewis, Lindsey Harrad @livemoreplantfully, Brenda Wells, Emily Silva @soulsadventures, Max Ehrmann Handy 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 January This 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

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: Instagram @bethkemptonWith 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 potatoes 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 15g (5 ½ oz) butter 2 leeks, sliced into rounds 2 onions, halved and sliced 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard 100g (3 ½ oz) mature cheddar, finely grated Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Featured 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 McAlary Enjoy! Beth Xx You can find all the show notes here: https://bethkempton.com/ccpodcast-shownotes/

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: With 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) Ingredients for Roasted Nuts recipe shared in this episode: Featured in this episode: Basho: The Complete HaikuLetters from Father ChristmasCider with RosieA Country ChristmasA Ukranian ChristmasChristmas Around the Village GreenWhat to look for in WinterThe Christmas Handbook The Wind in the WillowsFavorite Poems for Christmas: A Child’s CollectionYou can find all the show notes here: https://bethkempton.com/ccpodcast-shownotes/

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: Instagram @bethkemptonWith 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’Donohue Leave a note remembering your loved one on the self-care giveaway post on my Instagram @bethkempton here. https://instagram.com/bethkempton You 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 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 @housebeautiful Handy 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 here This 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

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: Instagram @bethkemptonWith 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

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: Instagram @bethkemptonWith 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

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: Instagram @bethkemptonWith 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 Xx PS 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 Country Christmas ([List of Everything I Want New Names for Lost Things Sunrise GratitudePaper ChristmasSpice: A cook’s companionCalm Christmas and a Happy New Year: A Little Book of Festive Joy

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.

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 here Ingredients for recipes shared can be found here.

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)

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.

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 Xx PS Don’t miss my free poetry challenge #tinywinterpoem coming to my Instagram feed @bethkempton in January! Featured in this episode: New Every MorningThe Poetry PharmacyDownload a FREE copy of my Perfectly Imperfect 2022 Digital Planner here and start visualising what might be next for you.

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 Xx PhosphorescenceMaking WinterUntitled Celebrations: Rituals of peace and prayer (Virago)Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year: A Little Book of Festive JoyIngredients for featured recipes: (1) For the birds (2) For you

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 IceTending the Heart Fire by Shiva ReaYoga Through the YearRiver Cottage ChristmasThe Art of RestWabi Sabi: Japanese wisdom for a perfectly imperfect lifWinter DaysThe Oxford Book of Christmas PoemsWinteringJapanese Home CookingCalm Christmas and a Happy New Year: A Little Book of Festive JoyJennifer 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 removed You can buy dashi stock from Japanese supermarkets and stores such as japancentre.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: Three Zen MastersCalm Christmas and a Happy New Year: A Little Book of Festive JoyFirst Snow in the Street100 Best Christmas Poems for ChildrenLines for WinterPoem for the Day TwoYour Spiritual AlmanacRHS Gardening Through the YearThe Seaside YearCountry Living ChristmasChristmas Feasts and TreatIngredients for the featured recipe (Rocky Road) Makes six

This episode is all about nesting – getting your home and heart ready for the winter, with natural Christmas decorations, and ideas for mindful crafting. With inspiration from Laurie Lee, Ariella Chezar (@ariellachezardesign), Lucy Hunter @lucytheflowerhunter, Truman Capote, Lizzie Kamenetzky, Cleo Wade @cleowade, The Royal Horticultural Society (@the_rhs), and my mum! Featured in this episode: A Village Christmas and Other Notes on the English Year Seasonal Flower ArrangingThe Flower HunterCalm Christmas and a Happy New Year: A Little Book of Festive JoyA Christmas Memory The Penguin Book of Christmas StoriesWinter Cabin CookingHeart TalkSlow Down and Grow SomethingDownload my free guide to creating a wreath HERE and ideas for other natural decorations HERE. To be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of The Flower Hunter by Lucy Hunter and a signed copy of my book Calm Christmas, head over to Instagram @bethkempton. The deadline for entries is 4pm UK time on Friday December 3, 2021. Ingredients list for featured recipes: Salt dough - 1 cup of plain flour - Half a cup of table salt - Half a cup of water French onion soup Serves 4 - 25g unsalted butter - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1kg large onions, very thinly sliced - 250ml dry white wine - 1 litre rich beef stock - or you could replace with vegetable stock for a vegetarian version - Freshly grated nutmeg - A small handful of fresh thyme sprigs - 2 fresh bay leaves - 75ml good quality Madeira - 1 day old baguette or other crusty bread, cut into slices - 1 garlic clove - 150g Comte cheese, grated (or you could use a vegetarian cheese) - Sea salt and ground black pepper

It’s time to dive into Christmas gifting, with a host of ideas for mindful, meaningful gifts and some innovative ways to wrap your presents to surprise and delight. We have inspiration from JRR Tolkien, Michelle Mackintosh, Hollie McNish, Laura Pashby, Laura Fleiter and Kerstin Niehoff, and some lovely festive projects to try. Let this episode inspire you to give more love while spending less money and creating less waste this year. Featured in this episode: Letters from Father ChristmasSustainable GiftingNobody Told MeCalm Christmas and a Happy New Year: A Little Book of Festive JoyLittle Stories of Your LifeAdventIngredients list for featured recipe (Serves 1)

Today’s episode is inspired by festive food, but not in an obvious way. We explore what fermentation can teach us about Christmas, learn how to make hoshigaki (dried persimmons) and spelt digestives, and explore the tradition of Stir Up Sunday. This episode is packed with tips for nourishing yourself with food and herbal remedies this winter, along with some gorgeous wintery words from some of our finest writers. With inspiration from Yoshihiro Imai, Nigel Slater, Lucy Brazier, Good Housekeeping Magazine, Danna Faulds, Rebecca Sullivan, Lisa Nieschlag, Lars Wentrup, Gizzi Erskine, Diana Henry, Ella Mills, Rukmini Iyer, and Elizabeth David. Ingredients list for featured recipe (makes 16 biscuits): Featured in this episode: Monk: Light and shadow on the Philosopher’s PathGreenfeast (Autumn/Winter) The Christmas ChroniclesNew York Christmas: Recipes and StoriesNigella ChristmasGizzi’s Seasons EatingsFrom the Oven to the TableQuick & EasyThe Green Roasting TinElizabeth David’s ChristmasRiver Cottage Christmas