It feels like just a moment ago that we were ushering in Samhain, and now Christmas and Yule are a mere 6 weeks away. For some, this time of year is steeped in excitement and gratitude, for others it’s cloaked with stress and anxiety. What if we could shape our holiday narrative by acknowledging what really matters to us this season? Rather than getting caught up in the traditions and expectations of years passed, what if we first asked ourselves, “What has this past year been like for me?”. From this place of knowing, we can determine if we need rest… celebration… gathering… solitude. Maybe what we need is to remember the beauty of a slow, soulful, simple holiday. As we wander the paths on this blustery morning, consider how you want to feel as you bring 2025 to a close.

What am I reading?

A House Between Sea and Sky by Beth Cato 

https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9781662527760

Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year by Beth Kempton

https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9781982151867

https://bookshop.org/shop/witchywomanwalking

What’s playing on repeat?

She’s Not Gone Yet But She’s Leaving by The Fratellis 

What’s for dinner?

Mystical Witch Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 cup butternut squash, cubed
• 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon sage
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, a drizzle of coconut milk, or chili flakes

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Incorporate the garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the diced carrots, sliced celery, and butternut squash. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are slightly tender.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth. Stir in the thyme, sage, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to soften fully.
5. Add the cannellini beans during the last 5 minutes of simmering. For extra creaminess, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender and stir back into the pot. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or coconut milk.

https://superdailyrecipes.com/mystical-witch-soup-recipe-for-cozy-nights/

Flourless Pumpkin Brownies 

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup almond butter (or other natural nut butter)
• 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips  

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 8x8 baking dish, set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together nut butter and pumpkin purée. Then whisk in eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla. Add cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to wet ingredients, mix. Stir in chocolate chips. Bake for 22-25 minutes. Cool, cut, enjoy! 

Calm Christmas Podcast

https://bethkempton.com/podcast/

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