Magnolia

This winter, Magnolia Journal is making space for connection—and all the shared experiences that deepen our understanding of ourselves and one another. Find a guide to Christmas lights, gather around fondue, and design a dining room that invites everyone to stay awhile.

Letter from the Editor

Magnolia Post: Rest

TV Guide • We Are Magnolia Network

Proof of Living • WHEN WE LOOK CLOSELY AT THE RINGS OF A TREE, OFTEN WE CAN PERCEIVE MORE THAN JUST THE LENGTH OF ITS LIFE. WOVEN INTO THE VARIATION OF COLOR ARE CLUES ABOUT YEARS THAT WERE RICH WITH RAIN, AS WELL AS THOSE THAT WERE DRY. SIGNS OF BOUNTY, PERSEVERANCE, AND SURVIVAL. THIS PIECE OF NATURE FEELS ESPECIALLY APT AS WE LOOK BACK AT THE THEMES OF OUR YEAR: PURPOSE, RISK, RHYTHM, AND REST. THERE IS PEACE THAT COMES WITH ACKNOWLEDGING WE ARE NOT MEANT TO HAVE RINGS THAT MEASURE EVENLY FROM START TO FINISH. BUT THAT IN THE VARIED SIZE OF EACH RING—IN THE EVER-CHANGING CONDITIONS OF EACH YEAR—IS THE REAL PROOF OF LIVING.

The Embrace of Winter

Hello, Bright Eyes • Have you ever noticed that as soon as someone says you look a little tired, you start to feel like you are? Fortunately, the opposite is true too. Eyes that appear rested and alert can give our hearts and minds that same kind of boost. Here, we’ve gathered products and tools to help you look—and feel—ready for whatever the day may bring.

Julianna Swaney • During the years we’ve spent raising our kids, children’s books have been a part of our daily rhythm. There is something extraordinary about the way books that are meant for kids offer all of us something valuable to learn. It takes a special artist to bring those ideas to life on every page—and that’s exactly the kind of artist Julianna is. When the kids and I started dreaming about writing our own children’s books, Ella came across Julianna’s illustrations, and we all loved them so much we couldn’t wait to watch her bring our own stories to life. I think you’ll enjoy learning about her work—and her passion for it—as much as we have.

Rest is Trending, and for Good Reason

Pen to Paper

The Art of the Steep • At once fragrant and familiar, loose-leaf tea offers occasions of sanctuary in a season when calm and quiet don’t always come easy. Wherever you may be in your day—whatever you may seek in the moment—let these distinct brews guide you toward flavors and comforts that can only come from the steep.

The Rest of the World

A Place of Rest

Holiday Boughs • A guide to festive greenery

Mornings Made Easy With Overnight Oats • IT’S A LITTLE BIT MAGICAL WHEN YOU WAKE UP TO A BREAKFAST THAT’S READY TO GO. YOU DO SOME MINIMAL PREP AT NIGHT AND THEN, AS YOU SLEEP, THESE WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS BECOME A DELICIOUS MEAL THAT WILL READY YOU FOR THE DAY AHEAD.

The Reason for the Season’s Traditions • Many of us might be able to pinpoint the start of our holiday traditions. Maybe Aunt Edna always brought the fruitcake. Or Dad always played a certain holiday song. But beyond our personal histories, many well-loved traditions have stories that go back decades, even centuries. Here we share a little backstory on the origins of what makes this the most wonderful time of the year.

A Note From Jo: A Season for Rest

Rest Opener

Let’s Pause • WHAT IF WE ALL JUST PAUSED.

Let It Rest, Let It Rise • AS WINTER EMERGES, WE TURN TO THE PROMISE OF TRADITION, FINDING NOURISHMENT IN THE FAMILIAR CELEBRATED ANEW. HOMEMADE BREAD IS AMONG THE MOST PALATE-PLEASING OF RITUALS, MADE POSSIBLE BY THAT ELUSIVE INGREDIENT: TIME. SAVOR THE PROCESS OF ONE ESSENTIAL RECIPE THAT WILL YIELD A COLLECTION OF SWEET AND SAVORY BREADS SERVED BEST WITH REST AND RESPITE.

The Ins and Outs of Slumber

Calm and Collected • IN OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, A HOME FROM THE 1930S BALANCES...