My absolute favorite holiday tradition comes from the south of Wales, where residents decorate a horse skull in various baubles and holiday finery, mount it onto a pole, and hide under a sheet so they can take the skull caroling door to door.  They sing songs about why the homeowner should let them in, and the folx inside have to sing a wittier song about why they should not be allowed inside.  This goes back and forth like a fantastic holiday rap battle, until someone gives up, and everyone goes inside to drink.

Seriously, what's not to love here?  Decorating skulls for Christmas?  I'm there.  Caroling door to door?  Where do I sign up?  Making lyrical arguments about why I should be allowed to drink all of your booze?  Stop selling it.  I've already bought tickets.  It didn't take much for me to fall instantly in love with this horse creature, named Mari Lwyd.  I do not as of yet have a horse skull in my collection, but I do have a llama skull, and perhaps she needs some Christmas traditions of her own.  We can't safely go door to door during this pandemic, but soon.  Soon.  What a delightful thing to prepare for.  So wear your masks, ok?  Because I want to rap battle you with a llama skull mounted to a pole and come inside to drink all of your plum wine.  And since I'm laying it out at least a year in advance, there's no reason for you not to have plum wine on hand.  It's my favorite, after all.

Handwritten, cursive signature says "pea flower tea" in lowercase letters. The flower is a small sketch of a bloom, instead of the word for "flower".

About the author

Pea is an artist focused on building an art therapy platform through transformative art and positive erotica to help victims of sexual violence reclaim their power. She lives on a small island and hides from loud noises.