Breakfast has been a rushed occasion all year, but during the holidays the morning ritual of preparing and eating with family and friends can be done slowly and with intention.

The start of each day comes with an abundance of possibility, the day ahead unwritten. Long and lazy breakfasts are usually best without a plan, but we suggest a few hero ingredients, such as platters of fresh fruit, freshly whipped ricotta drizzled in honey, lumpy jam on a crunchy loaf, lots of coffee, and most importantly, friends and family. Even if you slip all the way into lunchtime, don't be in a hurry, time is our biggest luxury.