The first time Alyson Morgan set foot in rural southwestern Wisconsin, the rolling hills and deep valleys were buried under a mantle of snow dotted with red barns that stuck out like Christmas berries on the horizon. Alyson and her husband, AJ, were visiting friends at their farm and had stepped out for an evening walk. We were watching the Amish doing their chores on another snowy ridge, and the moon was just coming up, she says. It was just so peaceful, and I was really drawn to this place.Having grown up more than 2,000 miles away in San Franciscos Bay Area, Alyson hardly pictured herself making a home in this part of the country called the Driftless Area, so named for its sculpted topography. But after that initial visit, Alyson felt the same pull that AJ had to this region in the state where he grew up. Twelve years later, the couple, their childrenMagnolia and Griffintwo dogs, one cat, and a coop full of chickens are celebrating their second Christmas in the farmhouse they designed with local builder Adrian Ugo. Adam AlbrightAJ and Alyson Morgan with children Magnolia and GriffinPlanting roots here has deepened the familys connection to the locations seasonal shifts and informs their homesteading rituals, which Alyson documents at @alysonsimplygrows and in her debut book, Our Kindred Home. Inspired by the landscape and their gardens, nature plays into the familys traditions of cooking and crafting, even during the winter, when the growing season is all but dormant. I love the idea of the season going inwardthings start to get colder here, and the nights are darker. Youre brought back to what is meaningful to you, says Alyson.In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Alyson can be found potting paperwhites to gift to teachers and gathering fresh swags of evergreens to bring the scents of the season indoors. Magnolia and Griffin also take a hands-on approach, crafting ornaments and helping make pine spritz cookies, which theyll wrap up for friends and neighbors. While Wisconsin winters can be longand quite different from her California upbringingAlyson marvels at magical Midwestern moments like hearing the clip-clop of horse hooves and wagon wheels on the road by her house or waking up to a window of white. I still get giddy about the snow, she says. Below, see all the ways Alyson and her family created a true homestead holiday.Tour More Cozy Country Homes at Christmas:Fresh-Cut GreeneryAdam AlbrightIn the living room, a cast-iron fixture generates enough heat to warm the entire house during the winter. Its firebox features bricks salvaged from Milwaukees Third Ward, an homage to the city where AJ and Alyson previously lived. Evergreen garland with strings of vintage bells and block-print stockings lend a seasonal touch. RELATED: 50+ Christmas Mantel Ideas Full Of Holiday CharmAncestors AlcoveAdam AlbrightThe Morgans prioritized sustainably sourced materials, such as wide-plank oak floors milled locally by an Amish-owned company. The entrys switchback stairs frame an ancestors alcove, where the couple displays family photos and mementos.Meet the cat!Gifted to Magnolia and Griffin last Christmas by a neighbor on a nearby farm, Clover loves to curl up and nap in baskets around the house.Natural PaletteAdam AlbrightThe whole-house palettekitchen includedtakes its color cues from a stone that Magnolia found along the lakeshore when the family was on vacation in Door County. Creamy white walls and earth-toned cabinetry pair well with the islands warm walnut base and the ceilings reclaimed wood beams. The white enameled range and ceramic pendant lights keep the look seamless, while brass hardware complements Alysons growing collection of copper cookware. Adam AlbrightInspired by an English scullery, the pantrys built-in cabinetry resembles a hutch and provides ample room for both serveware and Alysons dried herbs. During the holidays, she packages tea blends and mulling spices in Mason jars with handwritten notes and recipes attached.Crafting Quarters Adam AlbrightIn the evening, the family gathers for dinner by candlelight, butthanks to kids supplies stored in its drawersthe dining rooms antique library table also serves up a handy spot for daytime DIYing. (To give the table a little more height, AJ and Alyson cleverly put it on casters.) Topped with wicker lampshades, the rooms iron chandelier ties into the black Thonet side chairs. I have an obsession with old chairs, says Alyson. Lighter TonesAdam AlbrightCreamy light-reflecting tile lines the back of the bathrooms arched nook. The soaking tub sits beneath windows that align with a direct view of the moon when its full. Heirloom FurnitureAdam AlbrightIn the primary bedroom, a modern take on the classic poster bed cuts a striking silhouette in the primary bedroom. I wanted a piece I could pass down, says Alyson. The hand-turned design was also chosen for its ebony finish. I lean into florals and lighter tones, so I wanted to mix in darker, more masculine furniture, she says. A cluster of brass bells tied with scarlet ribbon adds a subtle ring to the holiday. RELATED: Cozy Farmhouse Bedroom IdeasFarm FriendsAdam AlbrightIn Magnolias bedroom, felted farm animal ornaments adorn a pint-size alpine tree, and a paper chain made of wallpaper hangs above. The gray spindle bed, positioned near the window where Magnolia likes to watch the sun rise, was a gift from Alysons mother years ago. Magnolia is our early bird; shes up before all of us, knitting or reading, says Alyson. This is her little sanctuary.MudroomAdam AlbrightWisconsin weather means a hardworking mudroom is a must, so the couple designed the rooms built-ins with an L-shaped walnut bench for a handy spot to slip boots on and off. Once the snow fun is had, the family assembles on the back porch for apple cider, hot bowls of soup, and AJs reading of The Hobbit.Get the Look:Bedroom Tree: Balsam HillRELATED: Stylish Mudroom Ideas to Help Keep You OrganizedPorch TreeAdam AlbrightOne of the familys holiday traditions includes walking the land of their friends choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm, Snowy Ridge Tree Farm, with mugs of hot chocolate. Later, Magnolia and Griffin help trim its branches with handmade citrus ornaments, collected pine cones, wooden spindles, and metal snowflake and star ornaments.Meet the dog!Poppy the cockapoo is very obedient, unless shes eating scraps we bring out to the chickens, says Alyson.Enjoy More Holiday House Tours!