I am constantly amazed by the winter holiday season. It can be a tacky, gluttonous fiasco. It can also be an exquisite and joyous affair. The two dichotomies are rich with imagery: icy tinsel, glittering snow, mounds of sugar-laden sweets. It can also conjure memories of an alcoholic uncle, a racist grandmother, a vicious family dog. There is warmth, fires and woolen mittens. A child surrounded by a sea of torn wrapping paper and plastic toys. Exhausted by weeks of built-up anticipation and expectation, quickly replaced with a feeling of want, and ultimately, disappointment. The turkey takes five hours to cook and fifteen minutes to consume. I am fascinated with this roller coaster of emotion, and appalled by some of the ludicrous and tacky decorations designed to represent it. It is a strange and fascinating time. Tara Azzopardi lives and works in Toronto. In addition to making crafts, illustration, and poster designs, she also plays music in several bands, rockin’ bass, drums and the organ.