To celebrate the holiday season, we sit down with Alexis McMullin, a creative storyteller and mother to Penny and August, whose approach to family life is guided by intention, beauty and quiet ritual. From observing Advent to collecting heirloom books and ornaments gathered on family travels, her festive season is shaped by meaning as much as magic. 

On these dark mornings, you can see the breath in front of your face, turning sleepy children into giddy ones as they play dragons. At home, this is a month for drawing the curtains against the frost and lighting the candles, for hanging baubles and laying the table, for party dresses and brightly coloured scarves… and for squeezing in extra seats at the table, because there’s always room for one more.