What Is The Setting Of 'A Cross Country Christmas'?

The setting of 'A Cross Country Christmas' is a charming mix of cozy small towns and breathtaking winter landscapes. Most of the story unfolds during a road trip from Chicago to California, with the protagonists stopping at various picturesque locations along Route 66. The author does a fantastic job of making you feel the crisp winter air and see the snow-covered diners and motels. Christmas decorations are everywhere, from tiny roadside cafes to grand town squares with towering trees. The contrast between the bustling holiday energy in small towns and the quiet solitude of long stretches of highway creates this perfect balance that really pulls you into the journey. You can practically smell the peppermint mochas and pine needles as the characters navigate their way through this winter wonderland.

'A Cross Country Christmas' takes readers on a nostalgic ride through America's heartland during the most magical time of year. The story kicks off in a snowy Chicago suburb where our main characters, former high school rivals, get stuck together for an unexpected cross-country drive. What makes the setting special is how it mirrors their emotional journey - starting cold and uncomfortable, then gradually warming up as they travel through charming Midwestern towns decked out in holiday cheer.

Each stop along their route offers a unique slice of Americana. There's a hilarious scene at a Wisconsin Christmas tree farm where they get roped into judging a ugly sweater contest, and a touching moment in a Colorado mountain town where they help decorate a community center. The author paints these locations with such vivid detail that you can feel the crunch of snow underfoot and hear the distant carolers.

The real brilliance comes from how the setting influences the romance. Those long hours in the car force conversations, the shared experiences at each stop build connection, and the constant holiday backdrop adds this layer of warmth and possibility. By the time they reach sunny California with its palm trees wrapped in Christmas lights, the setting has completely transformed along with their relationship.

If you love road trip romances with a holiday twist, 'A Cross Country Christmas' delivers the perfect winter escape. The story's setting is essentially a love letter to classic American road trips, but with everything dusted in snow and twinkling lights. From the moment the characters leave Chicago in that beat-up SUV, every location feels like it's pulled from a Hallmark postcard - except with way more personality.

What stands out is how the author uses the changing landscapes to reflect the characters' growth. The flat, endless highways of Illinois mirror their initial emotional distance. The rugged beauty of the Rockies forces them to rely on each other when they get stranded. Even the tacky roadside attractions become meaningful stops on their journey toward reconciliation.

The Christmas elements aren't just background decor either. Each town has its own quirky traditions that pull the characters into the community spirit. There's a hilarious scene where they get trapped in a small-town Christmas parade, and a surprisingly tender moment decorating a lonely gas station's sad little tree. These settings do more than set the mood - they actively push the characters together in ways that feel organic and heartwarming.