Only Santas in the Building: A Festive, If Flawed, Holiday Read
When I stumbled upon Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria, I felt a wave of excitement wash over me. The title alone promised whimsical holiday cheer and maybe a sprinkle of romance—perfect for cozying up with as the snowflakes fell outside. As a fan of holiday-themed stories, I was eager to dive into this new installment in the Under the Mistletoe collection, especially since it centers around a festive Santa-themed party that hints at playful shenanigans.
At its heart, Only Santas in the Building revolves around Evie Cruz, a comic illustrator who finally decides to make her move on her upstairs neighbor during the holiday rush. The set-up is charming, and who doesn’t love the combination of mistletoe, holiday parties, and a bit of romantic tension? There’s a contagious energy to the story that initially drew me in; the decorations, the sense of community, and the thrilling possibilities of romance amidst the holiday chaos felt wonderfully immersive.
However, as I settled into reading, I found some parts of Daria’s narrative to be lacking depth. The chemistry between Evie and her neighbor was palpable, yet several plot elements felt forced, like the rushed introduction of family members mere days after their first meeting. I couldn’t help but feel there’s a delightful connection that could have blossomed further with more exploration. This hurried pacing is a recurring theme in novellas of this sort, and it often means that rich character development and layered relationships take a back seat to quicker resolutions.
Daria’s writing style has a light-hearted quality that I appreciated, yet there were moments when the humor fell flat. Some jokes intended to evoke laughter read as awkward rather than funny, pulling me out of the narrative’s cozy embrace. For example, while the festive banter had potential, it sometimes veered into uncomfortable territory—almost breaking the spell of the charming holiday vibe that the story worked so hard to create.
That being said, Only Santas in the Building isn’t without its moments. The holiday setting shines brightly, filled with the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree and the sweet embrace of tradition. It was these visual details that I found particularly endearing, reminding me of the warmth the season brings. I could practically hear the carols playing in the background as Evie navigated her budding feelings.
In conclusion, this novella is ideal for those seeking a light, festive read without deep emotional investment. If you’re in the mood for a quick holiday escape and enjoy sweet but simple romantic tales, Only Santas in the Building might just be your cup of spiced cider. While not particularly memorable or impactful, the lightheartedness and charm make it a pleasant, albeit fleeting, experience—perfect for a cozy evening spent by the fire. It might not have achieved its full potential, but it still carries enough holiday spirit to make me smile.
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