Barry Hawkins has had a brilliant season so far and plans to take a well earned break over the Christmas Holiday.

The 33 year old from Ditton currently occupies the number 17 spot in the World rankings after an impressive twelve months that has seen him win both the Snooker Shoot-Out and the Austrlaian Open.

After missing out on qualification for the latest tournament, Hawkins admits he is glad to have a bit of a break over the upcoming Christmas period:

“I’m one of the players who didn’t qualify for Munich so I can enjoy a good rest right through until the New Year when I’ll start preparing for the Masters.”

“It was disappointing not to get through to Munich but I’ve already qualified for the PTC Grand Finals, so it worked out okay for me.”

The Kent snooker star went on to explain how he is looking forward to spending Christmas with his young family:

“Previously we’ve gone to either my parents’ or to Tara’s, but this year we’re going to spend at home with Harrison. He’ll be four in January and he’s into playing with all his toys now.”

“I’ve got him a little bike for Christmas and he’s getting games for his X Box and Batman Toys.”

“Yes I have to admit I do enjoy playing all the games with him. I was never really into things like X Box before but it’s good fun.”

“My mum and dad come over for Christmas Breakfast and we’ll have some friends over in the evening. Tara is cooking our Christmas Dinner for us.”

“We’ll spend Boxing Day with my mum and dad at their house and then after I’ll just be chilling and resting until the New Year.”

Hawkins also confessed as to how he used to get excited by Christmas as a kid:

“I think my best present was probably when I got a mountain bike. Another year I had a BMX Scooter. I loved them. I was spoiled!”

There will be one present Barry and Tara desperately want this year though:

“Our letter to Santa would be from Tara and me. We’d like to have another baby and we’d ask Santa to make sure the IVF treatment works for us.”

2012 has been kind to Hawkins and probably his best since first breaking into the top 32 back in 2004/05, but admits 2013 could be another busy twelve months on the snooker circuit:

“It’s going to be so busy with tournaments that we won’t get much break at all until the end of the season.”

“The season has been pretty good so far. Although winning in Australia feels like a lifetime ago now.”

“We’ve had so many events since then. I’ve got the Masters to look forward to and the PTC Grand Finals and all the big ranking events in the second half of the season.”

“I need to concentrate now on being more consistent and building on the success I’ve had.”

“I’m really looking forward to going back to Blackpool to defend the Shoot Out. I’m taking Tara and Harrison with me this time.”

Everyone at KSN would like to wish Barry and all his family a fabulous Christmas and a prosperous 2013.