✨ This quiet time between the bookends of the festive season – a time I call the Hush - is a beautiful opportunity to slow down and reflect. January will be here before we know it, after all. So, instead of rushing towards it, let’s meander for a while, giving our minds and hearts a chance to assimilate and process all that’s happened over the past twelve months.

Episode 8 includes:

* ✨An oracle card for the Hush

* ✨A beautiful journalling prompt inspired by the Celtic ‘Omen Days’

* ✨Talk of firelight

* ✨A wonderful recipe for a Christmas sandwich with sprout slaw

* ✨Traditions and stories from listeners all over the world

* ✨Some thoughts on New Year’s Eve

With inspiration from Denise Linn, Charles Darwin, National Geographic, Felix Bernard, Richard Bernhard Smith, Michael Buble, Jessie J, Kerri ní Dochartaigh, Lisette Cheresson, Andrea Rice, Ruth Allen, Charles Lamb, Nikita Gill and Lauren McDermott.

Don’t forget, if you feel like seeking solace in words this winter, don’t miss my Winter Writing Sanctuary which begins TOMORROW (Saturday December 28) and runs until January 5. If you haven’t signed up yet, you can register for FREE here.

Wishing you peace and calm during the Hush,Beth Xx

PS You can also listen on Apple or Spotify.

Winter Writing Sanctuary sign up - starts tomorrow!

- Register here for free (runs Dec 28-Jan 5 online)

Do something different in 2025

- Up to 50% off all my writing and personal development classes in my annual gratitude sale, on now here.

Links

* Darwin’s trip around the world on NationalGeographic.org

* Winter Wonderland by Felix Bernard and Richard Bernhard Smith. I do love the Michael Buble version and the Jessie J version is fun

* The Omen Days: On witnessing the world by Kerri ni Dochartaigh on Substack

* For a host of reflection questions, see the end of my free Calm Christmas Planner

Referenced books + recommendations

* The Sacred Forest Oracle by Denise Linn (Hay House)

* The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert (Bloomsbury)

* The Yoga Almanac by Lisette Cheresson and Andrea Rice (New Harbinger) p.245

* Weathering by Ruth Allen (Ebury) p.131

* New Year’s Eve by Charles Lamb

* Keep Calm at Christmas (Ebury)

* On The First Frost of Winter by Nikita Gill in Cosy Poems edited by Gaby Morgan

* Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year by Beth Kempton (Piatkus)

Ingredients needed for Lauren McDermott’s ‘Christmas sandwich with sprout slaw’ recipe

* Crusty bread

* Some raw sprouts

* Olive oil

* White wine vinegar

* ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

* Salt + pepper

* Cranberry sauce

* Stuffing

* Roast turkey

* Sliced pigs in blankets

* Emmental cheese

* Butter

* Pot of gravy

Watch Lauren making it here.

Images: Holly Bobbins / Unsplash

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit calmchristmas.substack.com