It’s that time of year again—when the air is crisp, the eggnog is flowing, and every other song on the radio is about finding love under the mistletoe. From the classic crooning of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” to the bittersweet tale of Wham!’s “Last Christmas,” pop culture has a way of making us believe that the holiday season is the perfect time to find our soulmate or rekindle a lost love.

But let’s be real: how often do these picture-perfect scenarios actually play out in real life? Sure, there’s something undeniably romantic about the idea of sharing a cozy cup of hot cocoa with a special someone while the snow falls gently outside. But the reality is often less idyllic—think awkward office holiday parties, crowded shopping malls, and the stress of finding the perfect gift for that person you’ve only been dating for a few weeks.

Despite this, we can’t seem to shake the idea that the holidays are the ultimate time for romance. And who can blame us? Movies like Love Actually and The Holiday have taught us that the season is ripe with opportunities for grand romantic gestures and chance encounters with attractive strangers. Never mind the fact that these films often gloss over the logistical challenges of starting a relationship during one of the busiest times of the year.

But it’s not just movies that are guilty of perpetuating these unrealistic expectations. Television shows like The Office and Friends have also featured memorable holiday episodes where characters navigate romantic tensions during the festive season. In The Office, Jim’s feelings for Pam are a constant undercurrent, even if he doesn’t profess his love during the office Christmas party itself. The show’s holiday episodes often highlight the complicated nature of office romances and the added pressure of the season.

And then there’s the music. From the classic crooners of the 1950s to modern pop stars, it seems like every artist has at least one holiday love song in their repertoire. These tunes often paint a picture of a perfect, snow-globe-worthy romance—the kind where everything falls into place effortlessly and love conquers all. But as anyone who’s ever been in a relationship knows, the reality is often messier and more complicated than a three-minute pop song would have us believe.

Of course, none of this is to say that holiday romance is completely off the table. There’s something undeniably magical about this time of year, and it’s possible to find love amidst the chaos of the season. But it’s important to approach these expectations with a healthy dose of realism. Just because your love life doesn’t play out like a Hallmark movie doesn’t mean it’s any less meaningful or worthwhile.

In the end, perhaps the best approach is to take inspiration from pop culture’s depiction of holiday romance, while also recognizing that real life is rarely as neat and tidy as a Hollywood script. Embrace the magic of the season, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself (or your partner) to live up to an impossible ideal. And if all else fails, remember that there’s always next year—and plenty of holiday movies to keep you company in the meantime.

So, dear readers, what are your thoughts on pop culture’s influence on holiday romance? Do you find yourself swept up in the magic of the season, or do you approach it with a more cynical eye? Share your own experiences and perspectives in the comments below—and who knows, maybe you’ll find your own holiday love story in the process.