Welcome to the first festive instalment of our You Are What You Give interview series, where we ask some creative friends to share the gifting and decorating traditions, and five things they would like to give and to receive this Christmas…

As Digital Director of British Vogue, Kerry oversees editorial content and digital strategy, from coordinating the latest cover reveal to orchestrating live coverage of red-carpet events. When she isn’t editing copy or writing features, you can find her browsing fantasy real-estate listings in Hydra, or searching for the perfect glass of white burgundy in south London.

Kerry and I became friends in the modern way - on Instagram! - a couple of years ago, bonded by our mutual horror of the genocide in Palestine, about which she has been personally and professionally vocal. When we finally met in real life earlier this year, she was as warm and stylish as I could have hoped, and I’m delighted she has shared her Christmas wishes and reminiscences with us…

As a child, what did the big day look like for you, what were your family's Christmas traditions?

I don’t know that we did have family-specific traditions, besides begrudgingly going to mass. Our parents definitely spoiled us with lots of presents every year, we ate like kings, and we watched all of the classic Christmas films: Home Alone, Santa Claus: The Movie (the Dudley Moore one), Planes, Trains and Automobiles… 

Have you continued these traditions, or created your own?

No to mass, yes to presents, food and festive classics. We lost our dad in 2011, and I still remember the exact lines he would laugh out loud at every year when I rewatch those films, which is always a really nice, if bittersweet feeling. 

What is your most prized Christmas decoration and why…?

A good friend gave me a pair of ceramic turtledoves like the ones Kevin gives to the pigeon lady in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, which I particularly love. Who knew this was going to become Home Alone-themed?

Do you have any unusual or signature decorating traditions? What can we borrow from the fashion world when decking the halls?

My flat is too small to allow for the 6ft fir of my Christmas fantasies, so I tend to do a smallish tree and drape decorations around the fireplace as the main focus, lots of eucalyptus and candles. Lately I’m also very into some pink and silver foil garlands I got in Rye – the effect is a bit like that Perfect Magazine video of Kate Moss dancing with Ray Winstone at a social club.

In terms of what we can borrow from fashion, I think that just like an outfit you love, your decorations should make you feel good, and maybe reflect a bit of your personality. I’m more of a minimalist when it comes to clothes, but Christmas decorations – and interiors in general – are my chance to explore colour and texture and be a bit more playful. Bring back tinsel, I say. 

What is the best Christmas gift you have ever received?

I remember being beside myself when I got a mobile phone. Now I’d just love to be less chronically addicted to it – that would be the greatest gift. 

And the best one you have given? 

I think it might be one I have in the works for this year, details of which are currently classified. 

You can choose anything from the Scribble & Daub shop, what would it be and why?

Definitely the hand-painted Dove print. It’s gorgeous, for one thing, but I also love that Scribble & Daub is donating 100 per cent of profits to charities working to help those who are suffering as a result of the genocide in Gaza. 

Please share a wish list of items that you would love to give and / or receive this Christmas!

To give:

Amy Powney recently partnered with Cornish brand Finisterre on a capsule collection and I can personally vouch for the recycled cashmere socks – perfect for a cosy night in and therefore a perfect Christmas gift. 

A big scarf always goes down well, and Cos has a great one. 

I find a good hand cream to be one of those things that’s annoying to spend money on but important to have, so it makes for a good present. I like the Scandi brand, L:A Bruket. 

I’ve gifted Mohammed El-Kurd’s Perfect Victims: And the Politics of Appeal to quite a few friends – I would recommend this book to anyone. 

At Choose Love’s Christmas pop-up you can donate money as a gift on behalf of a loved one, to be used for things like medical assistance for people in conflict zones, or to fund legal services that help to reunite families after years of separation. If you can’t make it to the shop, you can browse online instead. 

To receive:

I love a clean and green fragrance, so I’d be super happy to find Loewe’s Tomato Leaves candle in my stocking. 

A top-up of Byredo’s Mojave Ghost perfume never goes amiss. 

A new Smythson Soho diary is on my Christmas list every year. I am initially extremely diligent about using it and then ultimately revert to putting everything in my phone by March. 

I’m currently obsessed with signet rings. The dream is one by Nadia Shelbaya, but failing that, Liberty’s own range has some gorgeous and surprisingly well-priced alternatives. 

Speaking of dreams, Métier’s practical-yet-gorgeous accessories have been occupying a lot of brainspace recently. The chocolate suede Vérité Weekend might just be the perfect travel bag.