As the holidays quickly approach and the New Year will soon be here, one cannot help but look back at all that took place in 2008. For the AVP, 2008 was a very successful year as it saw the debut of its Hot Winter Nights indoor tour in January, another great AVP Crocs Tour during the summer and an exciting performance by all of its Olympic athletes in Beijing.

For the AVP athletes who helped make all of this success possible, the holiday season brings a well-deserved break and a chance to rest up for what lies ahead in 2009. We were able to catch up with a few members of the tour to find out how they plan to enjoy the holidays.

Nicole Branagh will spend Christmas in Northern California with her friends and family in her home town of Orinda.

"I love this time of year! It's nice to spend some quality time with my family since I am usually traveling so much," she said. "Great time to relax and enjoy the holidays."

This year, Branagh has many reasons to celebrate, as 2008 brought her two domestic AVP Crocs Tour titles, two international titles and a fifth-place finish at the Olympic Games with partner Elaine Youngs.

Anthony Medel and his fiancée and fellow AVP pro, Angela Lewis, will be splitting their holiday festivities between both of their families.

"I'm headed up to Reno to hang with my future in-laws for the holidays -- should be fun," Medel said. "Spending Christmas in the snow is quite a treat. On the way back, Angela and I will continue on to my parents' house in Santa Barbara. It's the best of both worlds -- looking forward to a relaxing and enjoyable holiday."

For sisters and AVP partners Katie and Tracy Lindquist, there is much more to celebrate than just the holidays this year. As Tracy so perfectly summed it up, "I am getting married! That's about it."

Tracy will marry her fiancé, Hayden Jones, on Dec. 27 with her sister Katie by her side, serving as co-maid of honor. While Tracy's holidays will no doubt be highlighted by her wedding, Katie is also planning on ringing in the New Year with a snowboarding trip to Utah in addition to getting ready to play on the Hot Winter Nights Tour in January.

AVP Tour veteran Jeff Nygaard has already had a busy past few weeks, jammed packed with baking cookies, attending concerts and parades and Christmas shopping, yet it seems that he still has a lot left to do this holiday season.

"I will be working out like a madman over the holiday," he said. "I will have four Sicilian women cooking in the kitchen all week long, striving only to outdo themselves with each meal. The only other male in this production happens to be the head chef at an amazing restaurant in downtown Boston. I am forced to take on the role of 'eater extraordinaire' for the duration of their collective visitation. That is my gift to them and all of their efforts."

Matt Olson, who captured his first career win in Belmar this year, will spend the holidays with family. Matt and his wife, Lindsey, plan to visit family in Arizona and hope to sneak some snowboarding and fishing into their trip. With several days still left in 2008, Matt is not wasting any time in making his New Year's resolution for 2009.

"My New Year's resolution this year will be to be more patient in every facet of my life and to try and give 100 percent to every task I start!" he said.

For Misty May-Treanor, whose year was highlighted by her second Olympic gold medal and appearance on ABC's Dancing with the Stars, the holidays bring a great chance to relax after a busy 2008.

"As far as it goes for me, rehabbing my leg so that I can get back on the dance floor," she said. "Also spending time with my husband and our families. It is a time to share, catch up and bake goodies!"

Kerri Walsh and husband Casey Jennings will spend this holiday season "hoping for a white Christmas," with family and friends at Lake Tahoe. As for New Year's resolutions, Kerri already has her sights set on a fabulous year ahead.

"To be the most loving and supportive wife and friend I can be and to welcome a happy healthy baby into our family in May," she said.

Whether it's snow, good food, relaxation, or time with family and friends, the AVP hopes that all of the AVP athletes get exactly what is on their Christmas list. On behalf of everyone at the AVP, we wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season and all the best in 2009!