On Christmas morning, the living room was a chaotic blur of torn wrapping paper and discarded ribbons. Leo waited until the coffee was poured and the fire was roaring before handing over his box.

Next, he braved the downtown artisan market. The wind whipped through the stalls, carrying the scent of roasted almonds. He found a potter whose hands were stained grey with clay. She was selling "hug mugs"—oversized ceramic cups designed with a specific curve to warm the palms perfectly.

"This will keep her tea hot until the sun comes up," the woman promised, wrapping the sapphire-blue mug in thick brown paper.