Christmas Kitsch summary

Learning to Accept and Embrace Our True Self

In Christmas Kitsch by Amy Lane, we are introduced to Rusty Baker, a young man who's had everything handed to him on a silver platter. He has a loving family, wealth, and popularity, but what he doesn't have is a sense of self. Rusty has always felt like he's living a lie, pretending to be someone he's not. He's been hiding his true self, his sexuality, and his feelings for his best friend, Oliver Campbell.

Oliver is Rusty's complete opposite. He's openly gay, from a struggling family, and lives life on the edge. Despite their differences, Rusty and Oliver share an unbreakable bond. At the beginning of the story, Oliver confesses his love for Rusty, a revelation that leaves Rusty shocked and confused. He doesn't know how to process his feelings for Oliver, and instead of facing them, he chooses to run away from everything.

An Unexpected Journey of Self-Discovery

Rusty heads to college, hoping to escape his feelings for Oliver, but the distance only makes his heart grow fonder. He struggles to fit in, not just with his peers, but also with his own identity. He parties, dates girls, and tries to be the typical jock, but nothing seems to fill the void Oliver left behind. Rusty is forced to confront his true self when he visits Oliver during the Thanksgiving break. The trip back home reignites his feelings for Oliver, and he realizes he can't keep running from his truth.

However, Rusty's decision to come out and be with Oliver doesn't come without its challenges. His parents, who are deeply conservative, don't take the news well. In a heartbreaking turn of events, they disown him, leaving Rusty homeless and heartbroken. But Oliver's family steps in to fill the void, providing Rusty with the love and support he desperately needs.

Acceptance, Love, and the True Spirit of Christmas

As the holiday season approaches, Rusty and Oliver navigate their new relationship, learning to accept and love each other despite the odds. Rusty also finds solace in Oliver's family, who show him the true meaning of unconditional love and acceptance. They teach him that family isn't just about blood, but about the people who love and support you, no matter what.

The book culminates in a heartwarming Christmas celebration, where Rusty, despite the hardships he's faced, finds himself surrounded by love and acceptance. He learns that being true to himself is the greatest gift he can give, not just to himself, but to the people who love him for who he is. In the end, Christmas Kitsch is a story of self-discovery, acceptance, and the transformative power of love, especially during the holiday season.