While a few of these stories melted my heart and warmed my soul like a comforting cup of hot cocoa, some of them were pointless and almost impossible to get through. When I reached the end of this adorable collection I felt like I had read through variations of the same story. 
 For some reason, Christmas is always connected to loneliness; and loneliness is a huge theme in this collection. Many of the short stories start with a lonely person, an outcast, who suddenly finds someone to celebrate with, someone to share kisses with. And while that truly is a beautiful thing, it also becomes quite repetitive in the end. 
 The first story in this collection is easily the best one. Rainbow Rowell builds up a love story as true and touching as anything; the idea of waiting year after year for a new year's kiss among the sparkle, glitter and shouting is impossible to resist. I was drawn into the story, into these strangers' lives immediately. 
 I also adored Jenny Han's story, set in the middle of Santa's workshop, among brokenhearted elves and frosted Christmas parties. Stephanie Perkins' story didn't disappoint either and neither did Laini Taylor's.