More than just a backdrop, Christmas infuses the narrative with warmth and a sense of wonder. Molly's love for the holidays, stemming from cherished childhood traditions with her Gran, shines through. The story embraces the joy, generosity, and anticipation associated with the season, contrasting it with the mystery unfolding at the heart of the narrative.

The Secret Santa gift exchange acts as a catalyst, throwing suspicion and doubt onto the characters at the Regency Grand Hotel. Molly, with her keen eye for detail and her inherent belief in the good in people, is forced to question who she can trust as she navigates the web of secrets and half-truths. The novella explores the complexities of relationships and the fine line between genuine connection and cleverly concealed intentions.

While solving the mystery surrounding the Secret Santa, Molly also finds herself reflecting on her own relationship with her boyfriend, Juan Manuel. She experiences a sense of self-doubt, questioning if she's misjudged his character, echoing her previous romantic misadventures. This internal struggle adds an emotional depth to the story as Molly navigates love's uncertainties alongside the unraveling holiday mystery.