What do you do on an island? You tell stories. What you do on Iceland, one of the world's most famous islands, the land of fire and ice? You tell stories, write books, influence the entire world with your landscape, culture, mythology, beliefs, and, of course, writing.

When I was thirteen, the term ‘cultural diffusion’ didn’t often come up in conversation, yet sitting in my best friend’s kitchen eating her favorite mint chocolate chip ice cream from Ben and Jerry’s was sort of the same thing. That same summer, another friend introduced ‘Pringles’ potato chips into our bunk at sleep away camp.

American milliner Gina Mazzotta creates original, hand-made custom hats for women, men, and children. The brand was founded in 2012, when, after recognizing a lack of stylish, contemporary hat options, Gina was inspired to create her own. She studied with milliner Amy Hamilton and fell in love with the millinery process. Drawing from her background in visual merchandising and window design, she integrates runway fashion with chic, custom every day accessories in her explorative and innovative take on traditional hat forms.

The Stratford Christmas Trail captures the spirit of giving and the joy of checking off that list. Throughout November and running until December 20, twenty-seven shops present fabulous stocking stuffers to delight on Christmas morning. You'll discover unique and individual gift ideas when you stroll our festive streets visiting shops draped in fresh cedar rope and tied with big red bows. Stratford Tourism is making it easy to kick off your holiday shopping with The Christmas Trail - just choose six gifts for $30 (+HST).