ATLANTA -- Alex Anthopoulos has maintained a hectic schedule since being named Braves president of baseball operations and general manager on Nov. 13. As he has acquainted himself with his new club, he has continued spending time with his wife, Cristina, and their two children, Julia (7) and John (5), who are living in Los Angeles while plans to relocate to Atlanta are finalized.
The holiday season has always been special to Anthopoulos, but even more so this year, when he and the members of his immediate family will spend time with loved ones in their native Canada.
Anthopoulos recently spoke to MLB.com about some of his favorite holiday activities and traditions:
MLB.com: You have had quite the travel schedule since you joined the Braves. How nice will it be to spend time with your wife and kids during the holiday season?
Anthopoulos: It's going to be great. It hasn't been easy with them being in L.A. while I have been going back and forth to Atlanta. My wife has a tight-knit Portuguese family. You certainly don't go hungry when you're with them. I call it event dining because they just keep bringing food out to the table. We'll spend some time with them [in the Toronto area], and then on Christmas night, we'll drive about five hours to see my family in Montreal.
My wife and I were married on Jan. 2, [2010]. So it's always a pretty special time of the year for us.
MLB.com: What is the best Christmas gift you ever received?
Anthopoulos: I don't know if there is one gift that specifically jumps out as being my favorite. When I was a kid, I always went to bed as early as possible because I just wanted Christmas morning to come as soon as possible.
This is my favorite time of the year. I love putting up the tree and decorating it with ornaments that have special meaning to your family. I'm a big Christmas cheer guy. I want to see the lights, all of the unique ornaments and decorations around the house. I remember many nights during my childhood when I would do my homework while sitting in front of the Christmas tree.
MLB.com: Have your kids come to enjoy some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
Anthopoulos: When you have kids, you can enjoy Christmas even more. I really enjoy that my kids are going to get to spend time with their grandparents and cousins. ... Now, when we get to Atlanta, it will be easier for them to see and talk with each other.
My kids love the snow. So they're really going to enjoy the time we spend in Canada. There isn't a lot of snow in Toronto, but there is tons of snow where we'll be, which is about an hour north of the city.
MLB.com: Do you have a favorite Christmas movie or song?
Anthopoulos: I was in the Braves' offices during my first week on the job, and I went down to the floor where [president of business] Derek Schiller and [president of development] Mike Plant have their offices. I was so impressed with the energy on that floor. They had a big board that included a list of the employees' favorite Christmas movie. I had to go with "Home Alone." That's just such a great movie that makes you feel good every time you see it.
MLB.com: What would be your wife's reaction if you were to strike a deal on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
Anthopoulus: She might not be my wife anymore. I'd have a lot of explaining to do.