Everybody knows tis is a perfect time of year to snuggle up by the fireplace and get closer - and the Boys' are planning to do just that. "My perfect holiday evening would take place in front of a log fire with hot chocolate, marshmallows and some mellow music playing. It would be great if the moon was shining, the lights were low and it was cold outside," says AJ, who may be spending this holiday season with his new girlfriend Amanda Latona of the band "Innosense." For Brian, who says he enjoys a good cuddle with his girl over dinner and a romantic movie, it is much of the the same. Howie is more of an outdoorsman saying he prefers a little exposure. "I'd really like to sit outside on the veranda and watch the snow falling so we could snuggle up together under fur jackets and a blanket."

All these activities may seem tough to do when the Boys' make it home to Orlando, but, rest assured that the scenes are just as romantic without snow. "We always dreamed of a white Christmas," says Nick, "but with all the traveling we've done on tour it is like we've experienced all sorts of different seasons in every climate. We're just glad to be spending some time with our families this winter." Nick insists that his perfect holiday evening would be playing with his siblings at home, sneaking a peek at a package or two, and eating some homemade holiday cookies.

Under the tree this year, the Boys' may find some of their favorite things like new musical equipment for their home studios, silk and cotton pajamas, the latest video games, and more scrapbooks to keep the fan momentos that are constantly piling up. "We like to save certain things," says Brian, who has started ta scrapbook of letters and cardshe received while in the hospital this year.

But what they would like most of all is the continued support of their fans around the globe. "The fans are the ones who made us who we are. They're the ones who go out and buy the albums and spend all their time coming to concerts. They made the Backstreet Boys," says Nick. In the meantime, the Boys' are enjoying the holiday season, thanking God and their families for helping them through any rough spots and basically enjoying everything that life has to offer. "You just have to have the right people helping you," says the very level-headed Nick, "the right management. Your family has to be there also to keep your head on your shoulders and your feet on the ground!"

From their home to yours, the Boys' want to wish all their fans the warmest of holiday wishes!

See you all in 1999!

- Hit Sensations

December 1998