As a duck takes to water, as the Pope takes to wearing large hats, as Britney Spears takes to a television camera, Holly Cole takes to Christmas carols. What a Christmasy name she has - like she was born to sing Christmas music. Word that the Canadian singer has released a new Christmas album, Baby It's Cold Outside, has been greeted with a resounding, "Well, duh." Cole performs tomorrow and Tuesday at the Winspear Centre with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.

Here's a look at the woman who's on the verge of being dubbed "Miss Christmas."

1. What was the last movie you saw that you loved?

Being John Malkovich.

2. What was the first album you ever owned?

Johnny Nash, I Can See Clearly Now.

3. What was the last book you read?

Pop 1280 by Jim Thompson.

4. What's your favourite hangout?

The Clearspot pool hall in my neighbourhood. They have good scotch.

5. Do you have a pet peeve?

The current state of radio.

6. What's your idea of the perfect Sunday?

I'd have to be in Nova Scotia. Get up late, barbecue around 2 p.m., sit by the rocks and drink wine, and then play charades at night.

7. What's your favourite food?

It used to be pasta, but I gave up carbohydrates. I like scallops.

8. What was the worst job you ever had?

Wedding singer. It was most dismal. A drunk American former bodybuilder with an orange tan insisted on singing a duet with me of Tonight I Celebrate My Love For You.

9. What gadget or gizmo can you not live without?

My drum kit. I play it all the time.

10. Do you have a hobby or habit that you think would surprise people?

Being a drummer surprises everybody. I also sew all the time.

11. What's your favourite piece of clothing?

There's a purse I like. There's a picture of a really bored sheep on it.

12. What would you change about yourself if you could?

I'd be more patient.

13. Whom do you most admire?

Jerry Lewis. I think he's a comedic genius.

14. What is your greatest extravagance?

What do I choose from? Lightbulbs. I collect unusual lightbulbs. I have every wattage and every colour and every shape. It's kind of strange.

15. Have you ever been mistaken for another celebrity?

Shania Twain.

16. Do you have a favourite quotation?

"Man is the only creature who blushes or needs to."

17. What is your greatest weakness?

Men.

18. If you are reincarnated who or what would you like to be?

A goat. They seem so content and single-minded.

19. If you had to go back in time to live in another decade, which one would you choose?

The '40s. All the strong female characters in film came from that era.

20. What is your most vivid Christmas memory?

A couple of years ago, for the first time in my life, I cooked turkey with all the fixings for a bunch of people. It was so much work and then it was all over in 15 minutes. I didn't even want to eat it. I phoned my mom and cried, "Mom, I never appreciated you!"