By: Andrew Vaughan

New on the scene, independent country pop singer Susan Hickman has a terrific self-titled CD just released. She may be new, but the 24-year-old beauty is not without credentials; over the past few years she has shared the stage with high-profile acts like Tracy Byrd, Jo Dee Messina, Kevin Fowler, Steve Holy, The Lost Trailers, and Phil Vassar, to name a few. We wanted to know what the holiday season meant to her.

1) What is your favorite Holiday memory as a child?

"Christmas at the Hickman's was always a memorable time of year for us. The importance of traditions is something my mother tried to instill in me and my sister Sadie. There are always a lot of things to do before the big day arrives: setting up the advent calendar, picking out what songs we are going to sing for Christmas Day caroling, and roasting marshmallows over scented candles. One of the special traditions we honor every year is the Christmas Eve potato soup dinner. My mom was one of four children of a Nazarene Minister, and they had very little money for food and holiday frill.  What little money that my grandparents could spare was used for simple gifts for my mom, her brothers and sisters. Potatoes were free (since they grew them in their garden), and if the children ate all of their soup, they could open their presents. According to my mom, potatoes were about as appetizing as dirt - since they were a very common menu item.  But needless to say, the kids ate their soup, presents were opened, the Christmas story was read, prayers were said, and the excitement grew as Santa drew near (my grandfather was the real Santa Claus).  Nowadays, my dad snaps random pictures while Mom makes the soup. Sadie, my husband Matt and I (and the puppies) sit and watch, decked out in our new pajamas (another Christmas tradition).  We have our potato soup, open our presents, and remember humble beginnings and what Christmas is all about: family spending time together, slowing down all the hustle and bustle of daily life, and of course, the birthday of our Lord and Savior."

2) Favorite Holiday song, and why?

"Well, 'Hard Candy Christmas,' Dolly Parton is probably the most memorable. I used to sit by the stereo and record myself singing it over and over. I love Dolly!!!"

3) Favorite Holiday movie, and why?

"The Grinch. My Sister Sadie, Cousin Alicia, and I make a point to quote every line while watching it every year. That never really gets old!"

4) Do you like to say Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas?

"Merry Christmas."

5) What are you plans for Christmas day this year?

"Stay home with family."

6) Have you been contemplating any New Year’s resolutions yet?  If so, what?

"I really want to play my fiddle live again. I have not played real diligently in a few years and am wanting to change that."

7) What gift would you most like this year?

"A new microphone. I need one really bad… that may be a gift I give myself."

8) Looking to 2010, are you optimistic about the economy and the music biz?

"Yes, very much. I am an optimistic person anyway, so I believe it just has to get better!!!"

9) How will you remember 2009?

"The year that flew by faster than I could blink."

10) Give your fans a Holiday message.

"Thank you for all of the endless encouragement and support. Have a safe and wonderful Christmas and Holiday Season. See you in 2010!!! It’s going to be a great year!!!"

Andrew Vaughan is a well-known and respected Nashville based writer. As a music critic his work has appeared in Billboard, Music Week, Mojo, "Q", the London Times, the Guardian, and Folk Roots. He was the founding director of Country Music International magazine and a regular guest on BBC Radio, BBC TV, and VH1.