A very Merry New York Christmas from the Big Apple! After our long but successful trip to Georgia, Coach Krikorian graciously gave the whole team a few days off before we get back to the hardwood for practice. Everyone has returned home to their respective families for a few days of rest and relaxation, including me, having hopped on a plane back to my homeland of New York City.

Our trip to Georgia started on a high note, and it ended on a high note with our 97-83 victory over LaGrange College. It is always nice to go into an extended break off of a win. Even on the 10-hour bus ride home, the guys had a lot of energy, with many jokes to be had during the ride – you could tell the players were all very excited for a few days home with family and friends. We've been working extremely hard over the past few months, and this time off will serve us all very well in terms of recharging the batteries and getting us in the right mindset for the stretch run.

All in all, our trip to Georgia was a productive one. We played some solid basketball and picked up two road victories. We had the opportunity to practice in an ACC practice facility at Georgia Tech, and we got the chance to explore a great city in Atlanta and further bond as a team in the process.

With the holiday break comes a good time to reflect back on the first few months of the season. Our 6-3 overall record is not too shabby by any means, but it is just a start. We still have a ways to go in our season-long journey.

As coaches, this is a time to take a long look at the squad and figure out the plan of attack for the final two months of the season. We have a good group of guys who are still in the process of coming together as a single unit. The most important thing to remember is that it is not about where we are right now, but where we are going, and whether we are doing what it takes to get to where we want to be. Our identity will not change going forward, we just have to continue to refine our execution while competing every single day to develop the resiliency and toughness that will lead us to success at the end of the year.

The holidays are also a time to reflect on our personal lives. In the daily grind of coaching it is very easy to get caught up in the minutiae of what you're doing and lose sight of the bigger picture. I always feel blessed when I come home and catch-up with familiar faces, and I see how many people support me in what I do.

I've spoken before about perspective and balance, and I feel that the holidays are a great opportunity to bring you back to that. Whether we are going through tough times or good times, happy times or sad times, we all have something in our lives to feel good about. For the past five years, everyday I wake up and I get to coach college basketball for a living – how can anyone possibly not feel blessed to have that?

So from all of us here at CNU men's basketball: have a blessed and joyful holiday season with your loved ones. Stay healthy, be happy. We look forward to getting back on the court next week and providing great entertainment for all of you over the course of the last half of this season. Until then, I hope Santa treats you very well and gives you everything you want. I know what I have on the top of my list, but it'll be March until I find out if I get it or not…so stay tuned. Happy Holidays!!!