For most people, the arrival of December is welcome, with holidays on the way and all the festive fun of Christmas to look forward to. Here at essential, we love brainstorming ideas for a perfect read to complement the season and have assembled a special issue to be savoured.

Renowned as a family time of year, we respond with features on Generation Z, the changing makeup of modern-day families, famous siblings, bonding outdoors and Xmas traditions for kids. We also bring you classic Christmas movies and the top London Shows at theatres throughout The City.

For high tech, don’t miss the stunning Vision Next 100 concept from Rolls-Royce and check out The Void hyper reality theme parks coming your way soon. Nearer home, we visit La Perla Blanca, a totally transformed beachfront villa in Guadalmina with every conceivable mod con, and we find out why properties at prestigious development, Palo Alto, are being snapped up.

For those who are cherished in your life, we suggest gifts for design lovers, pressies for pets, and we present the new Rolex Corner at Ideal Joyeros in Puerto Banús.Elsewhere, in an issue packed with joie de vivre, we cruise the Western Isles in the classy comfort of the Hebridean Princess, find out why cryotherapy is all the rage, and check-in to the new stylish Westin La Quinta.

Finally, great dining features strongly in these pages, with visits to the Alminar Wine & Steak House at the Kempinski Hotel Bahía, Santoku Japanese restaurant at the Villa Padierna Palace, meat-lovers paradise, Origen, in Marbella, and we conclude with an in-depth profile on legendary wine maker, Mariano García.

Happy Christmas!