Join Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frank and Author of The Slow Traveller and regular contributor Jo Tinsley as they help you discover ways to find your own little pockets of calm in the run up to Christmas. In this episode, we appreciate the quiet of the approaching solstice, press pause and take some time for ourselves before curling up with some winter reads. 

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Editing & music by Arthur Cosslett. 

On the blog

How to solve an Agatha Christie novel

Books that Embrace the Cold

Why We Love Cosy Crime

In the December issue (162) on sale now

Pressing pause: Whether it’s a few minutes to yourself or a day away, giving yourself time to do the things you enjoy this month will help prevent overwhelm 

Kitchen therapy 

Reading: awell-chosen book can bring moments of comfort, calm and cheer over the coming weeks.

Modern eccentrics: Solstice revellers 

My place: Festive foliage

Learn more

Nature’s Calendar: The British Year In 72 Seasons by Kiera Chapman, Lulah Ellender, Rowan Jaines, Rebecca Warren (Granta) 

In previous issues available at picsandink.com

A day in December: images that captured the magic of this month (150)

How to get on with your siblings as grown-ups (and have a more harmonious yuletide). (126)

A winter walk is a breath of fresh air. (150)

Tuning into the month’s micro-seasons (138)

Thanks to our partner for the Merry Midwinter season, the Marine Stewardship Council, which sets certification standards for sustainable fisheries and awards the blue ecolabel on fish and fish products. Find out more about the best fish to choose at msc.org and follow them on instagram @mscintheuk