By Stamatina Notaras
When thinking of Christmas, one usually imagines presents, trees, colourful lights, and feasts. While those are a vital, delicious, and fun part of the festive season, author Joanna Malioris encourages readers to appreciate not only the shiny, tangible, or beautifully packaged moments, but the quieter, less polished ones as well.
Christmas can be a time to reflect on lessons learned, anticipate what lies ahead, and appreciate what is right in front of us. In her debut novel, It Is The First of December, Malioris’ message is simple yet powerful: to “always look after yourselves and each other, and to find joy in the simple things.”
While this sentiment seems obvious, clear, and what most of us may have been raised on, it should be worked like a muscle, just so we don’t forget.
From becoming a Monash University business graduate to working within large corporations in the education sector, as well as raising two beloved daughters, Marie and Malorie, Malioris’ passion for writing has recently taken centre stage. And as it should.
With her North Star being the love she holds for her daughters, this novel comes from many places within Malioris’ heart, with each thread weaving together as one. The threads in question can be found rooted in her love for the Christmas season, her passion for mental and emotional wellbeing, and, above all, her love for her children.
As art imitates life in this debut novel, Malioris’ real-life experience of balancing family, career, and personal wellbeing clearly allows her to write from the heart and bring every page to life.
It Is The First of December follows sisters Marie and Melanie (lovingly named after her daughters) as they partake in traditions and embark on a family bike-riding adventure with their parents. Along the way, they are challenged and reminded of many of life’s important lessons. Blending classic festive themes with meaningful reflections, the story explores self-care, family values, and emotional wellbeing.
Different from many traditional Christmas books, yet still holding the festive spirit at its core, It Is The First of December doesn’t shy away from portraying real families with authentic, unfiltered dynamics. It highlights the deeper side of Christmas, one that extends far beyond what we often see in mainstream portrayals.
Filled with love, emotional intelligence, and the timeless values carried by families like yours, mine, and ours, this book is the perfect page-turner for anyone seeking a Christmas story with heart, meaning, and true purpose, written by someone who lives and breathes every word.
While many Christmas novels are aimed primarily at children, this is a story for everyone. Adults and children alike will find a piece of themselves reflected within its pages. And even better, might bring one generation closer to the other.
When thinking of Christmas traditions, our minds often wander back to many years ago. But what we musn’t forget is that traditions are kept alive by the people who nurture them, and it’s never too late to begin your own tradition. Perhaps a family novel by the tree, matching pyjamas, and hot cocoa in hand is the picture-perfect place to start.
Because this is more than a book: it’s a story to read to the kids before lights flick off at midnight, a keepsake to reopen every year amidst the bustle of food, people, laughter, and presents. It becomes an anchor to the meaning of it all, offering the greatest gifts of togetherness, stillness, and moments of reflection.
So, whether you wrap it in a bow or tuck it under the tree, there is no better gift than the one of words.
