Hallmark movies may have cornered the market on cheerful holiday romance, but there’s more to the genre than mistletoe and happily-ever-afters. From cozy hometown tales to steamy beachside flings, holiday romances offer a spectrum of emotions and experiences. Whether it’s a feel-good family reunion or a forbidden love affair, these stories share common threads: offering relatable characters, capturing the spirit of the season, and delivering a love story that leaves us hopeful.
In this article, we’ll delve into the diverse world of holiday romance, offering insights and tips for crafting your own holiday magic.
THE MAGIC FORMULA: WHY HOLIDAY ROMANCES WORK
Holiday romances tap into a potent blend of nostalgia, escapism, and universal themes that resonate deeply with readers and viewers. These stories offer a comforting escape from the stresses of daily life, transporting us to worlds where love conquers all and happy endings are 100 percent guaranteed.
Nostalgia and Escapism
The holidays hold a special place in our hearts, often filled with cherished memories of family gatherings, festive traditions, and the warmth of togetherness. Holiday romances tap into this nostalgia, evoking a longing for simpler times and reminding us of the joy and wonder we felt as children.
As author Mari Loyal, a romance novelist and author of , suggests, “Whether it’s a religious one or not, the ways to observe a holiday have been passed down for generations and through communities,
