Agree with the above suggestions, if i was starting from US I would try to redeem on Cathay or other OW partners.

If you use them on a BA flight the taxes and the fuel surcharges are very high and you don't feel like you are taking the most of your miles.Europe is better on Christmas but again this depends from your taste, its destination is different but if I was you I would try to redeem for a free ticket (Cathay, LAN)

Have you ever been to Buenos? I believe that everyone should visit this country once in his/her lifetime.