Holidash HotList - Tia Carrere

    Can you believe it was more than 16 years ago that the lovely TIA CARREREstarred in 'Wayne's World'? Yeah, we feel old, but Tia doesn't seem to have aged one bit! She has her Filipino, Spanish, Chinese and Hawaiian ancestry to thank for that.

    Tia's first major acting break came on General Hospital in the mid-1980s -- and she's appeared in a string of action films -- but Carrere longed to be a singer as a child. Though she was eliminated during the first round of her 1985 Star Search appearance at the age of 17, Carrere actually performed all of her own songs in Wayne's World (and sequel).

    Here are few pieces of Tia trivia: She turned down a role in Baywatch to audition for Wayne's World. And, in 1992 People magazine named her to its annual "50 Most Beautiful People" list. More recently, Tia appeared on 'Dancing With The Stars,' and she's returned to her singing and cultural roots: She just received a Grammy nomination for Best Hawaiian Music Album.

    Holidash talks to Tia here about her holiday memories and plans. For more info on what Tia's up to these days, visit www.tiacarrere.com.

    Tia attends the world premiere of Touchstone Pictures' ''Dan in Real Life'' at the El Capitan Theatre on October 24, 2007 in Hollywood, California.

    David Livingston/Getty Images

    HOLIDASH: What is your favorite holiday memory?

    TIA: That's a toss-up between my daughter Bianca's first Christmas at three months old, looking with wonder on her first Christmas tree or last year when she inexplicably ran out out of her room and around the Christmas tree naked!


    Tia arrives for the premiere of 'The X Files : I want to Believe' at the Chinese theater in Los Angeles on July 23, 2008.

    VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images

    HOLIDASH: What are your cherished or most fun holiday traditions?

    TIA: It's definitely sitting around the dinner table sharing a huge feast with family.


    Tia and actress Daisy Fuentes attend the 2008 JCPenney Asian Excellence Awards on April 23, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

    Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

    HOLIDASH: What is one of the best and worst gifts you ever received?

    TIA: So typical, but the best was probably when I was 10 and got a bicycle. And the worst? Any number of reindeer, snowman, or Santa Claus motif sweaters. Why do they even make those? I mean, who likes them over the age of 10?!


    arrives at the 2008 JCPenney Asian Excellence Awards on April 23, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

    Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

    HOLIDASH: What is one of the best and worst gifts you ever gave?

    TIA: I give pretty good gifts I think, but you'd have to ask my family!


    Tia arrives at the 18th Annual Night Of 100 Stars Gala held at the Beverly Hills Hotel on February 24, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.

    Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

    HOLIDASH: What are you planning for the holidays this year?

    TIA: We just decorated our giant tree so we're just chilling at home and admiring it.


    Tia is seen during the 26th Annual Academy Awards Documentary Nominees Reception at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences on February 20, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.

    Mark Mainz/Getty Images

    HOLIDASH: What makes this time of year special for you?

    TIA: It's really a time to sit back and reflect on all we have to be thankful for -- no matter how small or great the achievements. If there's one time to be gentle with ourselves, it's now.


    Tia arrives at the 50th annual Grammy awards held at the Staples Center on February 10, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

    Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

    HOLIDASH: What do you hope to find in your stocking this year?

    TIA: Whoops, gotta go buy stockings! But I'd love a new iPod with video capability. Hint, hint....


    Tia arrives at Starz premiere party for its two new comedies, 'Head Case' and 'Hollywood Residential.' held at the Sky Bar on January 15, 2008 in Hollywood California.

    Frazer Harrison/Getty Images