GayCities New York Editor Jeffrey James Keyes snuck under the mistletoe with the contestants on the new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race for a closer look at some of their favorite things.

Chad Michaels

Boy Name: My name is Chad Michaels, in and out of drag. My boogie transcends all gender labels.

Home: America’s finest city, San Diego, California.

Favorite Place on Earth: The sleepy little town of Avalon on Catalina Island. It’s a sickening romantic getaway that won’t break the bank. Hey, I’m still on a budget guys!

Favorite Bar/Club:
Urban Mo’s Bar and Grille in San Diego.

What is it about your drag persona that helped you make the cut: I made the cut because of my Creativity, Uniqueness, Nerve, and Talent! Yep, that’s it.

Where will you finish your holiday shopping? I promised myself I wouldn’t change because of Drag Race so I’ll continue to purchase my gifts at the 99-cent store. Big Lots for the special people in my life.

Where will you be for New Year’s Eve? I will be spending New Year’s with my partner, Adam, close to home in San Diego. I’ll perform with The Dreamgirls Revue at Bourbon Street and ring in 2012 with my closest friends. I like to keep it homey during the holidays!

Why will you win RuPaul’s Drag Race?
Because I’m the fiercest bitch in the cut with the skills, confidence,and personality to back it all up. Fun is fun but I’m not playing.

RuPaul’s Drag Race returns to Logo on January 30. Image via Mathu Andersen