Here in Episode 1 Hear the Bells, we begin this new season of the Calm Christmas Podcast by the sea, listening to the sound of the waves and contemplating what it really means to rest. We will share a hot cuppa and conversations about longing and joy, and much more including: ·      A new Light Corner ·      Our old favourites – Nature and Wellbeing Corners ·      A lovely hot drink recipe ·      Traditions from around the world ·      Get ahead tips ·      Some lovely goodies for you With inspiration from @KerriniDochartaigh @botanical_tales @nigelslater @francescaamber @rspca_official @bbc @leigh.standley @mudnbloom and Sam Kamkanamge. Enjoy! Beth Xx Lovely things ·Head to @bethkempton on Instagram for the chance to win our first festive book giveaway of the season! · Join the Winter Writing Sanctuary for free HERE. · Download a printable Calm Christmas Planner for free HERE.   What you need for the Mud & Bloom leaf lanterns: - Autumn leaves - Jam jars - PVA glue - A paint brush - Cotton thread in autumnal colours - Tea lights   Hot apple recipe ingredients: - Apple juice (we use clear but cloudy would be fine) - The peel of a satsuma or clementine, artfully twisty if you have that skill -  A cinnamon stick -  A little bit of ginger - Other spices like cloves or star anise, if you like them - Some honey or sugar   References: ·      Cacophony of Bone by Kerri ni Dochartaigh (Canongate) ·      Kokoro: Japanese wisdom for a life well lived by Beth Kempton (Piatkus) ·      The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater (Fourth Estate) ·      Joy. Boats. Time. On longing, choices and the tyranny of ‘just’ essay on Substack ·      Shakti mat (no affiliation) ·      How you can help garden wildlife this winter (BBC Newsround) ·      Leigh Standley’s spell pot ·      Autumn Leaf Lanterns how-to (Mud + Bloom) ·      Hear the Bells by Calexico video ·      Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year by Beth Kempton (Piatkus) ·      Sen Wellness 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