One of my worst (or best) qualities is that I'm competitive. Very competitive. When put in a situation where I need to compete creatively I become fixated on success. And that is exactly what happened when I was at a Holt Renfrew holiday party and was challenged to a gingerbread men decorating competition. Let me take a step back. When I first arrived at the party I found myself enraptured with the communal gingerbread house decorating. The overall look was fantastic!

But the gingerbread house table was already occupied. Ultimately it was the gingerbread men decorating area that had room for me to showcase my, er, brilliant cookie decorating skills. First I checked out the copious amount of decorating supplies (ie candy).

Satisfied that I had enough edible decorations to be competitive, I began creating my masterpiece. I focused on my work and channeled the old masters, from Renoir to Rembrandt. The result, I believe, was resplendent.

Now it's time for me to 'fess up. The only competition that happened at the party was between me and, well, me. All of the other revelers were enjoying food and drink as well as good company. Decorating the gingerbread men was merely a sideshow. But I love my little man - I think he's adorable. Can you guess which one is mine? hint: he has a wee mustache! Here is an easy recipe for baking your own gingerbread men. Enjoy!