Eric Church has had an amazing year, with his first two No. 1 singles (“Drink in My Hand” and “Springsteen”), his first headlining arena tour (Blood, Sweat & Beers) and his first CMA Award (for Album of the Year for Chief) and his two recent Grammy nominations. Prior to all of these amazing things, he also worked long and hard on his third album, Chief, in which he gave it all he had, so he’s about to take some time off. First up is the Christmas holiday, which he’ll spend with his family in North Carolina. “Then we’re gonna try to get away as just a family, just the three of us and try and go have some time after that,” says Eric. He’s also preparing for his tour north of the border, followed by a handful of dates on Kenny Chesney’s stadium tour, No Shoes Nation.

Eric Church is currently closing in on the Top 5 on the country charts with his latest single, “Creepin’.”

AUDIO: Eric Church talks about his plans for the next few months, including those for Christmas.

Eric Church (Christmas plans) OC: …year is off. :37
“We’re going back to North Carolina for a week or so, spend some time with my family. Then we’re gonna try to get away as just a family, just the three of us and try and go have some time after that. Then we have a little bit of time, we have the rest of the month of January before we do a Canadian tour, which I’m excited. I think all those shows are gonna be sold out, it looks like most of them are and to be able to go to another country and have that happen, is just really a special thing for me. So, I’m looking forward to that. It’s gonna be cold. It’s gonna be February in Canada. I get it. It’s gonna be snowy, but we’re gonna go do that. And after that, it’s just [Kenny] Chesney and the rest of the year is off.”