Hi,
Assuming you are using MikTeX, the first things to do are:
1) Update your local list of MikTeX packages with the "Package manager (Admin)" application available in the MikTeX submenu. Go to "Repository" and select "Synchronize..."
2) Update your local installation of MikTeX with the "MikTeX Update (Admin)" wizard available in the MikTeX submenu.
3) Download the NOVAthesis template again and try to process it. It should generate a PDF with no errors.
If step 3 fails, let me know.
João L.
P.S. Happy holidays for you as well. :)