The inspiration for Secrets of Mistletoe Hall began in childhood — with curiosity, and with Christmas.

As a child, I had a questioning mind. I loved the magic of Christmas, but even then, I sensed that the true magic was not in the toys or the sparkle — it was in family. It was in the togetherness, the feeling of being held inside something warm and shared. That, to me, was where joy lived.

After the age of eight, Christmas became less about presents and more about time together. My parents did not have much money, even though we had explored the world through my father’s work. Toys were few, but imagination was plentiful. One year, my mother carefully recycled my old doll and turned her into a bride doll — and I loved her. That simple act taught me something I would carry forever: that magic is not something you buy, but something you make with care and intention.