Slow Holidays ￨ Simple & Soulful

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/111301/9781662527760Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year by Beth Kemptonhttps://bookshop.org/a/111301/9781982151867https://bookshop.org/shop/witchywomanwalkingWhat’s playing on repeat?She’s Not Gone Yet But She’s Leaving by The Fratellis What’s for dinner?Mystical Witch SoupIngredients:1 tablespoon olive oil1 large onion, chopped3 cloves garlic, minced2 carrots, diced2 celery stalks, sliced1 cup butternut squash, cubed1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained4 cups vegetable broth1 teaspoon thyme1 teaspoon sage1/2 teaspoon cinnamonSalt and black pepper to tasteOptional garnishes: fresh parsley, a drizzle of coconut milk, or chili flakesInstructions: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.Add the diced carrots, sliced celery, and butternut squash. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are slightly tender.Pour in the vegetable broth. Stir in the thyme, sage, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to soften fully.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 puree2 eggs1/2 cup maple syrup1 tsp vanilla1/2 cup cocoa powder1/2 tsp baking sodapinch of salt1/2 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 Podcasthttps://bethkempton.com/podcast/Support the show