Ben- 

My fist stop during our holiday break is in Lincoln, NE. I will be doing a Nutcracker guesting there along with some friends that work at Ballet Idaho, Ryan Nye, and Andrew Taft. After I have gotten my fill of battle scenes and candy lands, I will be headed to  Goshen, IN. My sister and brother-in-law have lived there for a few years, and now my parents have just moved there from California. I look forward to spending time with my baby niece (soon to be 1!), my sister (with another on the way!) and brother-in-law. I’m also happy to get to see my parents again after spending a short time with them when we did our Cali tour. My other sister Ashley (lives in California) will unfortunately not be there for work reasons, but I plan on spending a lot of time with her during spring! :) Then it’s back to Boise for the new year!

Yari- 

I am heading down to Miami, FL to spend the holidays with my family. It has been a whole year since I was with them, so being home is very special this time around.  They are definitely a big hole in my heart that I miss tremendously. I know for sure that my mother, abuela, and I will be getting our mani-&-pedi on! After all, I am going to be in sandals for most of my winter holiday in Florida.  I will also be catching up with my best friends from high school, THE LUNCH BUNCH; and going out to Coconut Grove, Mary Brickell Village, and Miami Beach with them. Got to enjoy that Miami nightlife! Sunshine here I come!  

Travis-

 I am visiting my family in upstate NY this holiday season. I haven’t been home for Christmas in years, I’m usually doing Nutcracker. I’m really looking forward to spending some quality time with my mother and having a break to recover from bells palsy. Probably going to make some gløgg, watch A Christmas Story, and relax by the wood stove. I am also bringing supplies with me to do a small mosaic project while I am back east. 

John Michael- 

Georgia bound! Time with the family and some really good Southern food.

Ashley- 

I am looking forward to going to Canada to visit my family on this upcoming break. I haven’t been back since last holiday season. Though I am dreading the -40 degree weather, I am looking forward to seeing everyone. My mom, brothers and I will all drive for ten hours to see my Grandma and extended family in Saskatchewan. I am sure I will be put to work shoveling sidewalks and preparing our big Ukrainian Christmas feast. Usually shoveling sidewalks turn into a snow fight and you barely get to eat dinner because we are laughing so hard. I can’t wait! 

Brett- 

I am spending some time here in Boise for a bit. I am looking forward to having some time to bike around, hang with friends, and spend some time at my cute little house. On the 20th I am flying home to Indiana to spend some time with my family. I will see friends and enjoy some time being at home. I’m heading back to Boise on New Years Day. 

Chanel- 

For this winter break, I am really excited to be going to MINNESOOOOTA (insert Minnesota accent) to spend 2 weeks with my sweetheart, Brad, and his family. This will be my first time in Minnesota and yes, I have lots of sweaters, thermals and snow boots packed! We’ll be spending Christmas with his family in Elk River, MN and then for New Year’s Eve we are going to journey over to Madison, WI (also freeeeezing!) to spend time with his college buddies. As I count down the days, I get more and more excited. And, finally, this year I’ll have someone to kiss on New Year’s Eve. ;)

Jason- 

Carissa and I are heading home to Des Moines and then driving with my pops to Moline, IL to celebrate with my sis, bro-in-law and favorite 2 nephews. We’ll make a visit to grandma’s so I can indulge in the best home made applesauce ever. There will be several snow ball fights and a day of sledding.

Annali- 

I will be going to Sacramento, CA to dance in the Nutcracker for two weeks. I hope I have enough stamina. :) My niece will be coming to see me dance the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. She is three and to her I am Tia Princessa. Cute. Then I am going to my Mother’s in Los Altos, Ca (south of San Francisco) to spend Christmas with my family. I will return to Boise mid-week and have four full days to myself before we begin in January. I plan on catching up with friends, family and enjoying many a chai tea latte. :)