I found out about Merry Critmas in 2017, but to begin with nerves prevented me from submitting my portfolio. After a few weeks of indecision (and only a few days before the deadline) I bit the bullet and did it. I'm so glad I did, as I got a lot of valuable insight on how to boost my portfolio from someone completely unbiased.
It was actually Father Critmas himself who reviewed it and that led to me being involved in all of the illustration work this year! Being part of the Merry Critmas crew has been amazing, it just goes to show what can happen when you take part, you just need to go for it!