What a Romance Author’s Christmas Really Looks Like

Funny, relatable, chaotic — because of course it is.

Christmas looks serene in the movies: snow falling delicately, soft music playing, a glowing tree, everyone sipping hot chocolate while gazing lovingly at each other.

A romance author’s Christmas?

Not quite that.

Here’s the honest, slightly unhinged, deeply festive look at what the holiday season really looks like when you write love stories for a living.

1. Wrapping Presents While Brainstorming Plot Twists

Normal people wrap gifts while watching Christmas films.I wrap gifts while thinking:

• “Could my couple have their big emotional argument in a snow-covered car park?”

• “Should the love interest confess his feelings before or after the gingerbread disaster scene?”

• “Is this ribbon a good metaphor for emotional vulnerability?”

  
  

It’s multitasking. It’s creative genius. It’s also why half my presents end up with mismatched paper.

2. Family Conversations Turn Into Accidental Research

Someone tells a story about how they met their partner in 1998? Great. That’s going in a book.

My aunt complains about her neighbour? Even better. Now I have a villain origin story.

The real challenge is trying not to look too interested when someone mentions an awkward dating encounter. Writers are basically festive spies.

3. Bingeing Christmas Films Counts as “Work”

Elf? Work.

The Holiday? Definitely work.

That slightly questionable Netflix Christmas prince movie series I absolutely didn’t binge in one night? Work. Essential research.

My family: “You’ve watched eight Christmas romances this week.”

Me: “Please respect my process.”

4. The Constant Battle Between Writing and Festive Chaos

December: the month where I think I’ll write 20,000 words but actually write 2,000 because:

• someone forgot the cranberry sauce,

• my cat destroyed the tree,

• I burnt the mince pies,

• I fell asleep under a blanket instead of writing,

• and I swear wrapping presents takes up 40% of the month.

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But that’s fine. It’s festive ambience. It counts.

5. Trying to Keep Secrets About Next Year’s Books

My family: “So what are you writing next?”

Me, sweating: “Just… a book.”

I cannot give spoilers.

I cannot reveal plot twists.

I cannot explain the 47-trope plan I have for 2026.

So I smile enigmatically like I’m in a BBC drama and change the subject to pigs in blankets.

6. Overhearing Random Strangers and Getting Entirely New Ideas

Christmas markets are a goldmine for writers:

• cosy couples

• first dates

• families arguing lovingly over ornaments

• the barista who definitely has a backstory

  
  

Half my December notes app consists of overheard lines like:“Don’t buy the giant candy cane; it ruined last Christmas.”

Inspiration comes in many forms.

7. The Last-Minute Panic That I Forgot to Buy Someone a Gift

It happens every year. I make detailed lists. Beautiful, organised lists. And yet, on the 23rd of December, I have a meltdown in a shop clutching a candle wondering: “Have I given this candle to this person before?!”

My brain can construct entire fictional universes but can’t remember what I bought Cousin Emma in 2021.

8. But Then… The Cosy Moments Make It Perfect

Because for all the chaos, the exhaustion, the wrapping paper explosions, there is magic.

There’s writing by the glow of fairy lights.There’s reading a new book with a hot drink and warm socks.There’s laughing with family.There’s that feeling of the year gently settling into place.

And somewhere between the mince pies and the chaos, a romance author’s brain sparks with new ideas:

• a line of dialogue

• a scene

• a kiss

• a character who walks in as if they’ve been waiting all year

Christmas might not be calm, but it’s one of the most creatively inspiring times of the year.

Final Thoughts

So yes — my Christmas is a whirlwind of writing sprints, festive films, chaotic wrapping, questionable baking and endless story ideas. It’s not elegant, and it’s rarely peaceful, but it’s fun and warm and full of the little moments that make romance writing so joyful.

And honestly? I wouldn’t change it.