“I say let the world go to hell, but I should always have my tea.”
― Notes from Underground
January is never an easy month. The festive hangover is real, the days are still dark and the weather colder than ever. January 2021 is likely to be even more difficult for many, as the dreaded "C-word" still lingers and restrictions and lockdowns keep many of us from the activities that we would usually do to lift our spirits at this time.
So instead of writing about detoxes and diets, resolutions and goals and all the other pressures that are usually thrown at us in this most punishing of months, we want to encourage everyone to enjoy a "tea time out" - a relaxing moment just for you, to indulge, to find comfort, to forget any worries or drown out the noise of the day to day.
Tea time is not just a drink, but a ritual; whether it's the centuries-old, Buddhism-influenced tea ceremonies of Japan, the Swedish tradition of fika, the indulgent British afternoon tea or the slow pouring from great height of a Moroccan mint tea, heavily sweetened and offered as a welcome in any household.
This January we want to revisit tea time as ritual. Focus on the preparation as much as the enjoyment, taking time to remove all other distractions, perhaps dedicate time to make a cake to go with it, listen to that favourite album, in full, as you drink your cup, turn the phone off. Dust down that favourite tea pot, crack out the best china, clear a cosy corner in your room in which to enjoy your brew.
Each week we'll be sharing quotes, rituals from around the world, and suggestions on how to make "tea time" a "tea time out" in your own home. We also encourage you to share your "tea time out" with us on Instagram or Twitter using our #tagyourtea hashtag!
