My new book KOKORO: Japanese wisdom for a life well lived is OUT NOW!
***OFFICIALLY THE UK’S #1 FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS PODCAST!***
Here you can find the show notes for all episodes of the Calm Christmas Podcast in reverse chronological order. Just scroll down to find the episode you are interested in.
S3 Ep 11 FAREWELL WINTER: A special episode for the turn of the season
Released Feb 26, 2024
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
Featured in this episode:
– Green Rain by Mary Webb in A Poem for Every Spring Day edited by Allie Esiri (Macmillan) p.31
– Origin of February 29 in TIME Magazine
– The 72 Japanese microseasons
– Soundmap for forests of the world from Timber Festival
– A House by Itself – Selected Haiku: Masaoka Shiki (White Pine Press) translated by John Brandi and Noriko Kawasaki Martinez (p.45/49)
– Searching for the hermit in vain by Chia Tao (777-841) trans, Lin Yutang from Cloud Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown: A Mountain Journal by Alan Watts (Vintage) p.vii
– So Happy to See Cherry Blossoms: Haiku from the Year of the Great Earthquake and Tsunami edited by Madoka Mayuzumi and translated by Hiroaki and Nancy Sato (Red Moon Press) p.30
– Collected Haiku of Yosa Buson translated by WS Merwin & Takako Lento (Copper Canyon Press) p.21 / 25 / 36
– The Life-Changing Magic of Writing Haiku: finding beauty and solace in a heartbeat sized poem (free essay on my Substack @bethkempton)
– Extract from Another Spring by Christina Georgia Rossetti in The Language of Spring selected by Robert Atwan (Beacon Press) p.70
#TinySpringPoem community challenge (free)
– This will be shared daily on my Instagram @bethkempton from mid-March. Come and follow along and join in!
Giveaway
· New book giveaways running weekly on my Instagram @bethkempton from now throughout spring – go to Instagram.com/bethkempton to enter the latest one
Other
· Seasonal inspiration on my Substack at
S3 Ep 9 SILENT NIGHT: Relishing ‘the Hush’
Released Dec 27, 2023
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:
With inspiration from: @gill.meller @slowhomepod @BrookeMcAlary, Elizabeth Jenner, Dakota Hills and Sierra Brashear @superbeamix.
Handy links:
· 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
S3 Ep 8 CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE: And breathe… You’ve got this
Released Dec 23, 2023
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:
Ingredients for Roasted Nuts recipe shared in this episode:
Featured in this episode:
S3 Ep 7 IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER: Pausing, remembering, honouring
Released Dec 16, 2023
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:
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’Donohue
Leave a note remembering your loved one on the self-care giveaway post on my Instagram @bethkempton here. https://instagram.com/bethkempton
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
Featured in this episode:
S3 Ep6 MISTLETOE & WINE: Festive feasting
Released Dec 9, 2023
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
Featured in this episode:
· Christmas is Coming by Auriol Bishop
· Roast Figs Sugar Snow by Diana Henry
· Delia Smith’s Christmas by Delia Smith
· Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year by Beth Kempton (Piatkus)
· Women’s Institute Complete Christmas
· The Irish Country Women’s Association Book of Christmas
· New York Christmas by Lisa Nieschlag and Lars Wentrup
· New York Christmas Baking by Lisa Nieschlag and Lars Wentrup
· A Very Vegan Christmas by Sam Dixon
· Gizzi’s Seasons Eatings by Gizzi Erskine
· Greenfeast: Autumn/Winter by Nigel Slater
· Nigella Christmas by Nigella Lawson
· Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Cookbook by Jamie Oliver
· Winter Wellness by Rachel de Thample
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
Ingredients for Mum’s trifle:
Ingredients for sausage rolls:
You need:
S3 Ep5 WHAT SWEETER MUSIC: Wintery words to soothe the soul
Released Dec 2, 2023
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:
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
Featured in this episode:
Other links
Ingredients for Tim Anderson’s Ponzu from Your Home Izakaya by Tim Anderson (Hardie Grant)
S3 Ep 4 DECK THE HALLS: Making your home festive and cosy
Released Nov 25, 2023
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 and wellbeing 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:
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.
Lovely Christmassy Instagram accounts @happy_christmas_time @christmas_vintage @cosyreads (Maria Kuzniar) @kings_villages @christmasmorningmagic @the_magic_of_christmas @oldhouseourhome @dreaminchristmas
PS See the full show notes here for recipe ingredients etc.
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 landscapeby Lucy Hunter (Ryland Peters Small) p.197
· The Everyday Alchemist’s Festive Season Reimaginedby Pia Jane Bijkerk (self-published) p.32
· The Art of Mindful Gardening: Sowing the Seeds of Meditationby Ark Redwood (Leaping Hare Press) p.113
· Moon Yoga by Lisa Hood (Godsfield) p.63
· Winter Cabin Cookingby 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 festive joy by Beth Kempton (Piatkus)
Other links
· More about Japan’s 72 microseasons here
· On the science of how decorating can make you happier
· Winter Thyme scented candle made by St Eval in Cornwall
· Real Simple easy ways to make your home smell Christmassy
· Royal Museums Greenwich on full moons
· BBC Good Food on Stir Up Sunday
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
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
Lizzie Kamenetzky’s Chocolat Chaud from her gorgeous book Winter Cabin Cooking. For six people you need:
– 200g dark/bittersweet chocolate, chopped
– 4 mugs full full fat milk – I haven’t tried it with non-dairy but I bet it tastes delicious with almond or oat milk
– 2 tablespoons caster sugar
– 4 tablespoons rum, kirsch or brandy (optional)
– 200ml double cream
– 1 tablespoon icing sugar
Marina Whyte’s Lemon & Ginger Ice Cubes
– 120g ginger
– The juice of 4 or 5 lemons
S3 Ep 3 WE THREE KINGS: for the love of mindful gifting
Released Nov 18, 2023
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:
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 Sanctuary10-day FREE online writing class
Beth Xx
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.
Ingredients for recipes in this episode:
(1) Mark Diacono’s Harissa Piccalilli (from Spice: A cook’s companion)
Ingredients to fill 2 x 700 mil (1 ½ pint) jars – one for you and one to gift to someone else!
1kg washed vegetables , cut into pieces no larger than 2cm – Mark suggests equal amounts of sugar snaps, courgettes, cauliflower and carrots
50g fine salt
600ml cider vinegar
120g granulated sugar
80g honey
25g cornflour
4sp ground turmeric
4tsp English mustard powder
3tsp celery seeds
3 tsp fenugreek seeds
3 tsp yellow mustard seeds
3 tbsp harissa – you can buy this ready made or Mark has a lovely recipe for it in the book Spice.
(2) My homemade granola
Ingredients – This makes a small batch but I usually make three times this amount and keep it in an airtight container – Mr K eats a lot!
Featured in this episode:
S3 Ep 2 CANDLELIGHT CAROL: nourishing mind, body and soul
Released Nov 11, 2023
*This is hot on the heels of Season 3 Episode 1. From now on there will be weekly episodes released every weekend up until the end of the year.*
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!
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 and a Happy New Year for EACH of you. (The @SBTRCTskincare goodies, which are plastic free, vegan, cruelty free, palm oil free) include a geranium, rose and tonka been gentle foaming cleanser with diatomite dish and a moisturizing facial balm with a bamboo pot.
This is #notanad. The founder of SBTRCT, Ben Grace, is a friend of mine and I have loved watching him grow his business – I love their skincare so much I agreed to let my words – a quote from my book Wabi Sabi – be used on their packaging, which is a tiny joy for me. Anyway, to enter the giveaway to win some lovely solid skincare along with a personalized signed copy of Calm Christmas for you and a friend, 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.
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 (read by me) 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:
– You Should Leave Now: Going on retreat to find yourway back to yourself by Brie Doyle (Broadleaf). xiii
– Etymology of the word ‘retreat’ here
– Radiant Rest: Yoga nidra for deep relaxation & awakened clarity by Tracey Stanlee (Shambhala) p.52
– The Wild Weather Book by Fiona Danks and Jo Schofield (LL) p.66
– River Flow: New & selected poems by David Whyte (Many RiversPress) p.346
– Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year: A little book of festive joy by Beth Kempton (Piatkus)
– What to look for in Winter by Elizabeth Jenner(Ladybird)
– The Wild Handbook: Seasonal activities to help you reconnect with nature by Emily Thomas (Studio Press)
– Afoot and Lighthearted: A mindful walking journal by Bonnie Smith Whitehouse (Potter) p.46
– Making Winter: A creative guide for surviving the winter months by Emma Mitchell (LOM Art) p.17
– Cacao & Almond Energy Ball recipe from Deliciously Ella here / Deliciously Ella Podcast here
– The original Grated Daikon Soup recipe can be found in Japan: The Vegetarian Cookbook, by Nancy Singleton Hachisu (Phaidon) p.256
– Atlas Obscura article on the invention of the snow globe
Needed for the gratitude jar craft project:
You will need:
Ingredients for the Deliciously Ella Cacao & Almond Energy Balls recipe
Ingredients for Nancy Hachisu’s Grated Daikon Soup (from Japan: The Vegetarian Cookbook)
S3 Ep 1 CHESTNUTS ROASTING ON AN OPEN FIRE: Seeking slow this season
Released Nov 8, 2023
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
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 :
Kempton Family Banana Bread
You need:
It’s easy to make, delicious and it is perfect for a special breakfast, as an energy-boosting snack (which helps get little ones out on a long walk), and as a tasty dessert.
Roasted Chestnuts
You only need:
Source of this nostalgia-inducing recipe: BBC Good Food (thank you!)
Series 3 is nearly here! Here’s the trailer:
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, Kerstin 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)
– Adventby Kerstin Niehoff and Laura Fleiter (Murdoch)
– James Martin’s homemade mincemeat recipe / Paul Hollywood’s mince pie recipe
Ingredients for recipes shared are available here. Transcript available here.
S2 Ep9: RELEASE (reflect + dream) – released Dec 28 2021
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
Featured in this episode:
S2 Ep8: CHERISH (pause + celebrate) – released Dec 21 2021
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
Ingredients for featured recipes:
(1) For the birds
(2) For you
S2 Ep7: REST (escape the chaos) – released December 14, 2021
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:
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 removed
You can buy dashi stock from Japanese supermarkets and stores such as japancentre.com.
S2 Ep6: CALM (ease + joy) – released Dec 7 2021
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:
Ingredients for the featured recipe (Rocky Road)
Makes six
S2 Ep5: NEST (simplify + decorate) – released Nov 30 2021
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:
Download 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
S2 Ep4: LOVE (gratitude + gifting) – released Nov 23
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:
Ingredients list for featured recipe (Serves 1)
S2 Ep3: NOURISH (body + mind) – released Nov 16 2021
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:
S2 Ep2: BREATHE (inhale the season, exhale the stress) – released Nov 9 2021
From watching starling murmurations to cooking up a vat of hot soup, from long wintery walks and forest bathing to practicing calming breathing exercises, this episode is full of ideas for gentle ways to slow down, inhale the season and exhale the stress. And with a host of get ahead tips to make sure your holiday preparations all come together in good time, you’ll feel more ready than ever for the approaching winter. With inspiration from Nick Acheson, Melissa Harrison, Charles Dickens, Jilly Shipway and Ali Roff Farrar.
Beth Xx
Featured in this episode:
· Essay by Nick Acheson in Winter: An anthology for the changing seasons edited by Melissa Harrison
· Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year: A Little Book of Festive Joy by Beth Kempton
· Bleak House by Charles Dickens
· Yoga Through the Year by Jilly Shipway
· The Wellfulness Project by Ali Roff Farrar
S2 Ep 1: PREPARE (intention + inspiration) – released Nov 2 2021
I have loved Christmas since I was a child. The hopes of snow and flying reindeer, that special Christmassy feeling in the air. I still sense that as a grown up, but the festive season seems to come with a lot more pressure these days. This year, instead of trying to create the perfect Instagrammable Christmas, what if we just relaxed and focused on what really matters? Welcome to Season Two of the Calm Christmas podcast with bestselling self-help author Beth Kempton. This series is all about making the season special for less – less stress, less expense, less pressure…
Episode 1 is on the theme of PREPARE and includes:
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
Take good care,
Beth
(@bethkempton on Instagram)
Featured in this episode:
· Good Hours by Robert Frost, in A Mind of Winter edited by Robert Atwan
· We Can be Film Stars, Just for One Day by Sue Townsend in On Christmas: A seasonal anthologyby Gyles Brandreth
· Of Calcutta, Christmas and New Year by Suhel Seth in On Christmas: A seasonal anthology by Gyles Brandreth
· Introduction by Judith Flanders inPoems for Christmas
· Christmas: A biographyby Judith Flanders
· The Almanac: A seasonal guide to 2022 by Lia Leendertz
· Royal Horticultural Society’s Gardening Through The Year by Ian Spence
· East Wind Melts the Ice by Liza Dalby
· Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year by Beth Kempton
S2 Ep 1: PREPARE (intention + inspiration) – released Nov 2 2021
Welcome to Series 2 of the podcast! This quick intro tells you what goodness I have in store for you over the coming weeks, with new episodes every Wednesday throughout November and December. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of them!
S1 Ep12 New Year’s Revolution – released Dec 31 2020
Welcome to a fresh new year! Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and breathe it in. The freshness of the new year, in all its potential and possibility.
Episode 12 includes:
Download the transcript here
The books mentioned in this podcast were: Desiderata of Happiness by Max Ehrmann / Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year by Beth Kempton / Freedom Seeker: Live more. Worry less. Do what you love. by Beth Kempton
Get a free digital planner with any purchase of Calm Christmas – all details HERE.
S1 Ep11 Savouring the Hush – released Dec 26 2020
These are the days in between. The liminal space that hovers beyond the festivities and before the fresh New Year. I call this time ‘The Hush’ and this episode is all about savouring it.
Episode 11 includes:
The books mentioned in this podcast were: The Everyday Alchemist’s Festive Season Reimagined by Pia Jane Bijkerk / Freedom: Medicine words for your brave revolution by Jaiya John / Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year by Beth Kempton / The Old Magic of Christmas by Linda Raedisch
Get a free digital planner with any purchase of Calm Christmas – all details HERE.
S1 Ep10 A Christmas Wish – released Dec 23 2020
We’re here. It’s Christmas Eve. The year is almost over and the magic of Christmas is still hovering. This short but atmospheric episode will help you connect to this very special moment in the year, and focus on what really matters.
Episode 10 includes:
Download the transcript here
The books mentioned in this podcast were: Christmas and Other Notes on the English Year by Laurie Lee / The Book of Christmas by Jane Struthers / Celebrations: Rituals of peace and prayer by Maya Angelou / Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year by Beth Kempton
S1 Ep9 Dealing with sadness, loneliness and grief at Christmas – released Dec 16 2020
2020 has been challenging in so many ways, and many of us will experience heavy emotions this holiday season, at the culmination of the year. If you are looking towards the festive season with a sense of dread, knowing that it will be extra difficult this year, this episode is for you. I hope it is a friend at this time.
Episode 9 includes:
Download the transcript here.
The books mentioned in this podcast were: Rhythms and Roads by Victoria Erickson / Secrets and Stars by Alex Klingenberg / The Peace of Wild Things by Wendell Berry / The Magical Year by Danu Forest / Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year by Beth Kempton
Other resources mentioned:
OptionB.org / Option B by Sheryl Sandberg / The Grief Podcast > This is called Griefcast, apologies for the error! / Mind.org.uk / Samaritans.org / Words Heal: Writing in times of crisis (online course)
S1 Ep8 For the love of Christmas food – released Dec 9 2020
Do you love Christmas food but want to enjoy it without the stress this year? If so, tune into this week’s mouthwatering episode for tips on stress-free festive food preparation, snippets from some of my favourite cookbooks, and a couple of recipes I love to make at home.
Episode 8 includes:
The books mentioned in this podcast were:
The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater
Elizabeth David’s Christmas edited by Jill Norman
New York Christmas: Recipes and Stories by Lisa Nieschlag and Lars Wentrup
Delia Smith’s Christmas by Delia Smith
Jamie’s Christmas by Jamie Oliver
Nigella’s Christmas by Nigella Lawson
Gizzi’s Seasons Eatings by Gizzi Erskine
Sarah Raven’s Complete Christmas: Food and Flowersby Sarah Raven
Winter Cabin Cooking by Lizzie Kamenetsky
The Borough Market Cookbook by Ed Smith
Irish Country Women’s Association Book of ChristmasBeeton’s Book of Household Management by Isabella Beeton
The Wartime Christmas Cookbook by Megan Rogers
Chocolates, Sweets and Candies by Sarah Ainley
A Year by the Sea: Thoughts of an Unfinished Woman by Joan Anderson
Also, you can find chef Steven Lamb on Instagram @lambposts
The transcript for this episode is here.
S1 Ep7 To gather or not to gather – Released Dec 2 2020
To gather or not to gather, that is the question this year. Gathering is a huge part of Christmas for many of us, but the impact of the pandemic means that without doubt this Christmas will be different. This episode is full of ideas for making it special, whoever you end up spending it with.
Episode 7 includes:
Download the transcript here.
The readings in this episode were from Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year: A Little Book of Festive Joy and Wabi Sabi: Japanese wisdom for a perfectly imperfect life, both by Beth Kempton
S1 Ep6 Mindful gifting – Released Nov 25 2020
Had enough of the pressure, expense and waste of excess Christmas presents? Tune into this week’s episode for tips on mindful gifting, and ideas for saving money and reducing wrapping waste this holiday season.
Episode 6 includes:
Download the transcript here.
Also, here is a lovely example of furoshiki wrapping and here is Mari Kondo’s version
S1 Ep5 Winter words to soothe the soul – Released Nov 18 2020
Lose yourself in a flurry of wintery words from some of my favourite writers across food writing, nature writing, fiction, creativity, poetry and more. These are words to soothe the soul. There’s also a special seasonal writing exercise for you, and we look into the tradition of the Christmas pudding.
Episode 5 includes:
Download the transcript here.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
The Almanac 2021 by Lia Leendertz
A Year of Good Eating: The Kitchen Diaries III by Nigel Slater
JRR Tolkien’s Letters from Father Christmas edited by Baillie Tolkien
The Complete Cold Mountain: Poems of the legendary hermit Hanshan, translated by Kazuaki Tanahashi and Peter Levitt
One Day in December by Josie Silver
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
Drinking From the River of Light by Mark Nepo
Divine Beauty by John O’Donohue
The Light in the Dark by Horatio Clare
The Wild Remedy by Emma Mitchell
Making Winter by Emma Mitchell
Wild Embers by Nikita Gill
Rhythms and Roads by Victoria Erickson
S1 Ep4 We wish you a slow Christmas – Released Nov 11 2020
Explore what a slow Christmas might look like, with top tips and some lovely creative ideas, and discover the origins of the Christmas tree!
Episode 4 includes:
Resources mentioned in this episode: Inventing the Christmas Tree by Bernd Brunner / The Winter Writing Sanctuary/ Kokedama how-to video from the Royal Horticultural Society
S1 Ep3 Comfort + joy in winter – Released Nov 4 2020
Take good care of yourself, and discover comfort and joy this winter.
Episode 3 includes:
Resources mentioned: Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year by Beth Kempton / bbc.co.uk / worldnomads.com / Gardening Through The Year by Ian Spence / The Book of Hygge by Louisa Thomsen Brits / The Winter Writing Sanctuary / The Book of Joy by Archbishop Desmond Tutu & The Dalai Lama.
S1 Ep2 Making magic and memories – Released Oct 28 2020
Be inspired to make magic and memories this holiday season. This episode is all about enjoying the glorious autumnal season we are still in, while making some early plans for Christmas.
Episode 2 includes:
Resources mentioned: The Magical Year by Danu Forest / Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year by Beth Kempton / Christmas: A Biography by Judith Flanders / The Wild Weather Book by Fiona Danks & Jo Schofield / Silence by Erling Kagge / Morningby Allan Jenkins
S1 Ep1 Readying yourself for a calm Christmas – Released Oct 28 2020
Christmas can be a very special time, but it can also be a very stressful time. And given everything that has been going on, who knows what will unfold this holiday season? What if, for once, we just relaxed, and gave ourselves permission to focus on what really matters?
Welcome to the brand new Calm Christmas podcast with bestselling self-help author Beth Kempton. “Just like my book of the same name, I hope the Calm Christmas podcast inspires connection, belonging, self- care, nourishment and joy, and a little bit of festive magic.” – Beth
Episode 1 includes:
2020 has been a challenging year in so many ways, shaking up so much of what we thought we could rely on. But in a world where we never really know what is coming next Christmas is one of the few constants we can trust in. I hope this podcast will help you locate Christmas as an anchor in the stormy seas of winter in this world right now.