MELISSA MELOTTEY TALKS THE CHRISTMAS BOOKSHOP
"Christmas does not have to be perfect"
Daniel John
A holiday expert and a bookstore owner clash in a festive bet to prove whose approach to Christmas is best, only to find that love and compromise might be the truest holiday magic of all. What drew you to this story that you hope others will see in it as well?
What really drew me to the story was that it isn’t about “winning” Christmas. It’s about remembering why it matters in the first place. The holiday expert and the bookstore owner represent two very different approaches, but neither is wrong, the magic happens when they stop trying to prove something and start listening. I hope audiences see that Christmas does not have to be perfect or performative to be meaningful and that sometimes the most beautiful moments come from compromise, connection, and letting go of control.
How do you see Adeline, Adie, who's she?
Adie is warm, thoughtful, and quietly passionate. She’s someone who believes deeply in tradition and meaning but she’s also learning that her way isn’t the only way. What I love about her is that her growth isn’t loud. It’s gentle. She starts the story very certain of who she is, and by the end, she’s softened in a way that allows more love in. She’s grounded but she’s also open, and that balance really spoke to me.
This director, Marco Deufemia, has a very rich history of holiday themed-films, but this is your first one, how did you find the experience of acting in a film like this?
It was incredibly rewarding. I’ve always loved holiday romantic-comedies, so getting to step into that world and play the lead felt very full-circle for me. Marco brings such a great sense of humour to set, and we really clicked in that way, which made the experience feel light, collaborative, and joyful. He, along with the entire crew, created such a warm and supportive environment. This was my first lead role, so it came with a lot of growth and learning, and I felt truly supported every step of the way, it was the kind of experience that reminds you why you fell in love with acting in the first place.
In your own “bookshop” of Christmas-favourites, what always seems to find its way back in every year?
'Holiday in Handcuffs' starring Melissa Joan Hart and Mario Lopez is an absolute family favourite. My mom and I watch it every year, and it has become a sort of tradition for us. My favourite show of all time is 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch', so I’ll happily watch anything Melissa is in, and this one truly feels like a classic. I also always return to 'The Holiday'. I’ve always loved Kate Winslet and I deeply relate to her character in that film. It’s cozy, heartfelt, and timeless, the kind of movie that feels like wrapping yourself in a blanket.
Every love-story starts with the first page, how early did your creativity appear?
It appeared very early. Ever since I could walk, I was performing. Every home video is some version of me singing, dancing or acting. My mom was incredibly supportive and encouraged me to go after what I loved, so by the time I was thirteen, I had my first agent and began pursuing acting seriously. It took years before that effort translated into on-screen opportunities. I didn’t book my first small role until I was twenty-one, and for quite some time after that, acting work came slowly. In my late twenties, I found steady success as a host, which gave me invaluable experience in front of the camera, and helped me grow both creatively and professionally. More recently, acting has become the true focus of my career, and while the path there was longer than I expected, it has given me perspective, patience, and a deep appreciation for the work. Getting to do what I love now, makes every step of the journey feel worth it.
Many creatives can find it rather difficult to step away from work. Are you good at embracing the holidays and allowing yourself to take a break?
I am learning, like many creatives I love what I do so it can be hard to fully switch off, but the holidays remind me how important rest and presence are. I try to be intentional about slowing down, enjoying simple moments, and reconnecting with the people I love. When I do allow myself that space, I always come back feeling more inspired.
With Christmas upon us we of course also have the New Year fast approaching. How do you reflect on the year that’s passed and what's your hopes for the new one?
This past year was a whirlwind. Coming off the high of being on set and playing a lead was incredibly meaningful, and the time that followed was quieter than I expected. It challenged me to sit with uncertainty and confront impostor syndrome in a very real way. What I’ve come to realize though, is that the experience itself was a huge accomplishment, and I’m genuinely proud of the work I did. That perspective has brought a lot of peace. Looking ahead, I hope to do another Christmas romantic-comedy, but more than anything, my intention is simply to keep acting, creating, and staying connected to the joy of the work. That’s what matters most to me.
