By: Andrew Vaughan

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

"I have been blessed to have nothing but fond memories of Christmas throughout my entire life. Having been born and raised in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, 'The Christmas City,' has always made those memories that much more special. I believe my fondest memories are of the times that my family spent together crammed into the old Plymouth station wagon heading out to see all of the beautiful decorations throughout the city. One of the many traditions there is the placement of solitary white candles in each and every window of almost every home. But the decoration I liked the most was the large star that was located on the top of 'South Mountain.' Every Thanksgiving weekend, the lighting of that star symbolized the beginning of the holiday season. The star could be seen from miles and miles away. Just like the star over the 'original' Bethlehem, it would lead people from all over the area to see it and remind them that something good was coming. For me, Christmas and the star are all about anticipation, reflection, forgiveness, renewal, hope and dreams of what is yet to come. I wish everyone peace, comfort and joy throughout the remainder of this year and into the future."

2) Favorite Holiday song, and why?

"'What Child Is This?' Because to use an old cliché, 'He is the reason for the season.'"

3) Favorite Holiday movie, and why?

"I actually have three favorites: It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, and Christmas Vacation. I like them all because they touch on lots of good memories and feeling."

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

"Merry Christmas."

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

"Just to be with family and close friends."

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

"I make the same one every year and that is to be less judgmental and much more appreciative."

7) What gift would you most like this year?

"I would like to have a peaceful more accepting and tolerant world."

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

"I am a 'glass is half full' kind of person, so I am definitely optimistic about 2010. I believe that the economy will improve, as long as people are willing to pull their share of the load. Regarding the music biz, I am really looking forward to a great year. I do believe that there will be lots of changes in the industry, but with that, I believe that it will create even more opportunity for even more independents."

9) How will you remember 2009?

"It’s hard to say how I will remember ’09 because it seemed to go so fast, but I will definitely remember it as a good year. I wrote a few good songs, did my first ever radio tour, got my first single, 'Everything Is Gonna Be Alright,' on the Music Row Charts, received a lot of positive press and even had the honor of receiving 3 spots on the Grammy first-round nominating ballot.. I made a lot of new friends and visited some very cool places. The more I think about it, it was a VERY GOOD year!"

10) Give your fans a Holiday message.

"Thanks to all of you for your support throughout this past year. I pray that you find peace and happiness in all that you do and may all of your wishes come true during this season and beyond. Merry Christmas and Happy New 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.