Mistletoe and Missed Flights

Nine years ago, Molly Kinsella, a practical Irishwoman living in Chicago, is dreading her annual Christmas trip home. A chance seat assignment on a transatlantic flight puts her next to Andrew Fitzpatrick, her friend's soon-to-be-ex-boyfriend. Their awkward, banter-filled journey is marked by Molly's secret knowledge of Andrew's impending heartbreak and her own cynicism about Christmas. Yet, a bet is struck: Andrew will make Molly love Christmas by the end of the flight. The flight ends in chaos, but a tradition is born—every year, Molly and Andrew fly home together for Christmas, their friendship deepening with each journey.

Strangers to Seatmates

Over the years, Molly and Andrew's accidental tradition becomes intentional. Each December, no matter their circumstances, they meet at the airport and fly home together. Their friendship is built on playful bets, shared confidences, and the comfort of routine. Both navigate failed relationships, career uncertainties, and the pressures of family expectations. Their annual flights become a safe space—an island of honesty and laughter amid the turbulence of their separate lives. The chemistry between them simmers, unspoken, as they each date others and support one another through heartbreaks and life changes.

Christmases Past, Hearts Present

As the years pass, Molly's career in law leaves her increasingly unfulfilled, while Andrew's dreams of photojournalism give way to practical work as a photographer. Both struggle with the weight of expectations—Molly's from her family and herself, Andrew's from his close-knit, Christmas-loving clan. Their annual flights are punctuated by moments of vulnerability: Molly's breakups, Andrew's struggles with alcohol, and the growing realization that their friendship is the most constant, meaningful relationship in their lives. The line between platonic and romantic blurs, but neither is willing to risk the friendship for something more.

Delays, Detours, and Dares

This year, a massive winter storm grounds nearly all transatlantic flights. Molly and Andrew, determined to keep their tradition alive and get home for Christmas, embark on a wild, multi-country journey: Chicago to Atlanta, Buenos Aires, Paris, London, and finally Ireland. Each leg of the trip is fraught with delays, missed connections, and logistical nightmares. Yet, the forced proximity and mounting stress strip away their defenses. Under mistletoe in an airport, a dare leads to a kiss—one that neither can dismiss as just friendly. The journey becomes a crucible, testing their patience, resilience, and the boundaries of their relationship.

The Great Holiday Escape

Stranded in foreign cities, Molly and Andrew are forced to rely on each other as never before. They share cramped hotel rooms, navigate language barriers, and improvise their way through travel disasters. The chaos brings out the best and worst in them—Molly's need for control, Andrew's easygoing optimism, and their mutual competitiveness. Amid the stress, their banter turns flirtatious, their confessions more intimate. Each obstacle—lost luggage, missed ferries, family pressures—peels back another layer, revealing the depth of their connection and the fears that keep them apart.

Kisses, Confessions, and Chaos

In Paris, exhaustion and vulnerability lead to a second, more deliberate kiss. Both are rattled by the intensity of their feelings, unsure whether it's just the stress or something real. In London, a night of misadventures with Andrew's eccentric cousin and a spontaneous act of kindness for a stranger's home bring them closer. The tension between them grows, culminating in a night where confessions spill out—about failed relationships, career doubts, and the fear of losing each other. They agree to "start at the beginning" when they return to Chicago, but the emotional dam has broken.

Around the World for Christmas

With Christmas Eve looming, Molly masterminds a last-ditch plan: a train to Wales, a ferry to Dublin, and a bus to their respective homes. The journey is frantic, filled with close calls and moments of panic. Along the way, Molly's family anxiously awaits her, while Andrew's family prepares for a Christmas that won't feel complete without him. The physical journey mirrors their emotional one—each step forward is a leap of faith, each setback a test of their commitment to each other and to the tradition they've built.

Parisian Pit Stops

A layover in Paris brings both comic relief and emotional reckoning. Molly, without her suitcase, is forced to buy new clothes and confront her discomfort with vulnerability. Andrew, ever the steady presence, supports her through a minor meltdown and encourages her to consider what she truly wants from life. Over a simple meal, they discuss dreams, disappointments, and the possibility of change. The city of love becomes a backdrop for their own slow-burning romance, as they begin to imagine a future that isn't dictated by obligation or fear.

London Lights, London Nights

In London, they stay with Andrew's cousin, whose chaotic energy and penchant for mischief lead to a night of decorating a stranger's house and exploring the city's Christmas markets. The experience is both hilarious and poignant, highlighting the importance of chosen family and the joy of shared traditions. A late-night heart-to-heart reveals Andrew's struggle with sobriety and Molly's dissatisfaction with her career. They promise to support each other, but the unspoken question lingers: can their friendship survive if they take the next step?

Family, Fears, and Firsts

Arriving in Ireland on Christmas Eve, Molly and Andrew are swept into the chaos of their families. Molly's sister goes into labor, and Andrew stays by her side through the night, missing his own family's celebrations. The experience cements their bond, as both realize the depth of their feelings and the importance of being there for each other. Yet, the fear of change and the risk of losing what they have keeps them from fully admitting what they want. The birth of Molly's nephew becomes a symbol of new beginnings and the courage to embrace the unknown.

Homecomings and Heartbeats

After Christmas, Andrew reveals he had been planning to move back to Ireland, but changed his mind because of Molly. The revelation sparks a crisis—Molly fears being the reason he gives up his family and home, while Andrew insists he's choosing her, not sacrificing for her. A heated argument gives way to honesty: they love each other, and the risk of losing their friendship is worth the chance at something more. They agree to build a life together in Chicago, supporting each other's dreams and facing the future as partners.

The Christmas We Choose

A year later, Molly and Andrew have created new traditions—hosting both their families in Chicago for Christmas, blending Irish and American customs, and embracing the chaos of chosen family. Molly has left her unfulfilling law career to start a food tour business, with Andrew's unwavering support. Their relationship, once defined by annual flights and unspoken longing, is now rooted in daily acts of love, laughter, and mutual respect. The journey that began with a missed flight and a bet to love Christmas has become a testament to the power of friendship, resilience, and choosing each other—again and again.

Love, Actually, Arrives

Molly and Andrew's story comes full circle as they reflect on the journey that brought them together. The obstacles they faced—distance, fear, family expectations—are now the foundation of a partnership built on trust and shared history. Their love is not the stuff of grand gestures, but of small, everyday moments: a shared joke, a supportive word, a hand held in the dark. As they look to the future, they know that whatever challenges come, they will face them together, secure in the knowledge that love, like Christmas, is best when shared.

Epilogue: New Traditions

A year after their first Christmas as a couple, Molly and Andrew host both families in Chicago, blending traditions and creating new memories. Molly's food tour business thrives, and Andrew continues his photography, both finding fulfillment in work and love. Their home is filled with laughter, chaos, and the warmth of chosen family. The story ends not with a grand declaration, but with the quiet certainty that they have found their place—with each other, in every season.

Characters

Molly Kinsella

Molly is an Irishwoman living in Chicago, fiercely independent and deeply practical, with a wry sense of humor and a tendency to downplay her own needs. Her relationship with Christmas is complicated—she sees it as a time of obligation rather than joy, shaped by a family that is loving but emotionally reserved. Professionally successful but personally unfulfilled, Molly's journey is one of self-discovery: learning to ask for help, to embrace vulnerability, and to risk her heart for love. Her friendship with Andrew is her anchor, the one relationship where she feels truly seen. Over the course of the story, Molly evolves from a woman who fears change and disappointment to someone willing to leap into the unknown for the chance at happiness.

Andrew Fitzpatrick

Andrew is the embodiment of warmth and steadiness—a photographer with a big, close-knit Irish family and an infectious love of Christmas. He is the counterpoint to Molly's cynicism, meeting her sarcasm with humor and her fears with unwavering support. Beneath his easygoing exterior lies a man grappling with his own disappointments: a career that didn't go as planned, struggles with sobriety, and the ache of loving someone who may never see him as more than a friend. Andrew's journey is one of self-acceptance and courage—choosing to put his heart on the line, to fight for the life and love he wants, and to redefine what home means. His love for Molly is patient, persistent, and transformative.

Zoe Kinsella

Molly's twin sister, Zoe, is her confidante and foil—more extroverted, quick with a joke, and unafraid to challenge Molly's assumptions. Heavily pregnant for much of the story, Zoe's journey into motherhood parallels Molly's own journey toward emotional openness. She pushes Molly to confront her feelings for Andrew and to pursue a life that brings her joy, not just security. Zoe's presence grounds Molly, reminding her of the importance of family, forgiveness, and second chances.

Colleen Fitzpatrick

Andrew's mother, Colleen, is the heart of the Fitzpatrick family—a woman who expresses love through food, tradition, and gentle meddling. She is both a source of comfort and pressure for Andrew, embodying the expectations of home and the fear of disappointing those we love. Colleen's acceptance of Molly and her support of Andrew's sobriety are pivotal, offering a model of unconditional love and the courage to embrace change.

Christian Fitzpatrick

Andrew's younger brother, Christian, is the family's resident skeptic and provocateur. His teasing masks a deep loyalty to Andrew, and his blunt questions force both Molly and Andrew to confront their feelings and fears. Christian's own struggles with belonging and purpose mirror the central themes of the story, highlighting the complexities of family and the importance of honesty.

Hannah Fitzpatrick

Andrew's much younger sister, Hannah, is a whirlwind of energy and ambition. Her passion for fashion and her willingness to challenge family norms inspire both Andrew and Molly to pursue their own dreams. Hannah's relationship with Molly is one of instant camaraderie, and her presence injects humor and hope into the story's most serious moments.

Gabriela

Molly's best friend and colleague, Gabriela, is the embodiment of "women supporting women." She is the first to notice Molly's unhappiness and the first to encourage her to make a change. Gabriela's practical advice, unwavering support, and willingness to call Molly out on her avoidance make her an essential catalyst for Molly's growth.

Sean Fitzpatrick

Andrew's father, Sean, is a man of few words but deep feeling. His presence anchors the Fitzpatrick family, and his acceptance of Andrew's choices—both in love and sobriety—offers a model of masculine vulnerability and support. Sean's understated affection and dry humor provide a counterbalance to the chaos of the holiday.

Liam Fitzpatrick

Andrew's eldest brother, Liam, represents the path not taken—a life rooted in home, tradition, and stability. His role as a father and husband highlights the different ways love and responsibility manifest within a family. Liam's acceptance of Molly and support for Andrew's choices reinforce the story's themes of belonging and chosen family.

Oliver

Andrew's cousin Oliver is the wild card—a London-based gallery assistant with a flair for the dramatic. His antics (including breaking into a friend's house to decorate for Christmas) force Molly and Andrew out of their comfort zones and into moments of spontaneity and joy. Oliver's embrace of found family and his willingness to create magic for others underscore the story's message that home is where you make it.

Plot Devices

Alternating Timelines and Flashbacks

The novel employs a dual timeline structure, alternating between the present-day journey and flashbacks to previous Christmases. This device allows the reader to witness the evolution of Molly and Andrew's relationship—from awkward strangers to best friends to something more. Each flashback reveals a pivotal moment, a missed opportunity, or a deepening of their bond, building tension and anticipation for their eventual union.

Forced Proximity and Travel Mishaps

The recurring motif of travel—delayed flights, missed connections, and international detours—serves as both a literal and metaphorical journey. The chaos of travel strips away the characters' defenses, forcing them to confront their fears, desires, and the truth of their feelings. The physical obstacles mirror the emotional ones, making each triumph and setback feel earned and meaningful.

Banter, Bets, and Playful Competition

Molly and Andrew's relationship is built on witty banter, playful bets, and a spirit of competition. These devices serve as both a shield against vulnerability and a bridge to intimacy. The humor lightens the story's heavier moments, while the underlying affection and respect deepen the emotional stakes.

Mistletoe and Symbolic Kisses

The recurring image of mistletoe—and the kisses it prompts—serves as a symbol of risk, tradition, and the possibility of change. Each kiss marks a turning point, forcing Molly and Andrew to confront the reality of their feelings and the consequences of acting on them.

Family Expectations and Chosen Traditions

Both Molly and Andrew grapple with the expectations of their families and the weight of tradition. The story explores the ways in which we inherit, reject, and reinvent the rituals that define us. The creation of new traditions—blending families, starting a business, choosing each other—becomes a central theme, highlighting the power of agency and the importance of chosen family.

Sobriety and Self-Discovery

Andrew's journey with sobriety and Molly's career crisis are not just subplots, but essential elements of their character arcs. Both must confront their own limitations, fears, and desires before they can fully commit to each other. The story treats these struggles with nuance and compassion, showing that love is not a cure-all, but a partnership built on mutual support and growth.

Analysis

Holiday Romance is a modern romantic comedy that transcends the genre's clichés by grounding its love story in the realities of adulthood: career dissatisfaction, family pressures, personal demons, and the fear of vulnerability. At its heart, the novel is about the courage to choose happiness—not just in love, but in life. Molly and Andrew's journey is both literal and metaphorical, a madcap race across continents that mirrors their internal struggle to move from friendship to romance. The story's humor, warmth, and emotional honesty make it deeply relatable, while its structure—alternating timelines, travel mishaps, and recurring motifs—keeps the narrative fresh and engaging. The novel's message is clear: love is not about grand gestures or perfect timing, but about showing up, again and again, for the people who matter. It's about creating new traditions, embracing change, and daring to believe that you are worthy of joy. In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, Holiday Romance offers a hopeful reminder that home is not a place, but a person—and that the best journeys are the ones we take together.

Last updated: November 25, 2025