The year is gradually coming to an end and with Christmas edging ever closer, both Sebastian Hoeneß’s men’s team and Heiko Gerber’s women’s side will enjoy a few days off over the festive period. We asked some of the VfB family to tell us their plans over the coming days.
Maximilian Mittelstädt: “This year we’re celebrating Christmas in Stuttgart. Both my family and my wife’s family will be staying with us. Christmas Eve is going to be lovely and I’m really looking forward to it. We’re planning to do a Secret Santa together and we’ll have goose on Christmas Day.”
Nicole Billa: “We’re a small family so Christmas is very quiet for us. My nephew is only two, so the holidays will be special in a different way this year. The kids’ eyes will light up. For me, though, the best thing is coming home and having everybody there. Everyone’s got time and we can sit around a table together. We have a games evening and some nice chats. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Atakan Karazor: “It’s tradition for us to decorate the living room and terrace to create a festive Christmas atmosphere. I’ll also be going on holiday to Japan with my wife for a few days.”
Alexander Nübel: “I’m going to celebrate Christmas at home in Paderborn. My whole family will get together, including my grandparents, so I’m really looking forward to that. We don’t have a traditional meal that we eat – we decide on something different together every year. My sister really wanted to have kale this time, so that’ll definitely be on the menu.”
Chema: “I’m going home to Spain for Christmas. We’re going to be in Valencia with my whole family. For us, it’s all about eating good food, listening to and singing some Christmas carols, and playing some games together.”
Yuka Hirano: “I’m going to spend Christmas at home in Japan with my family. But for us, New Year’s Day is a bigger celebration. It might sound strange, but we always order KFC. It’s a big Christmas tradition in Japan that dates back to the 1970s. Last year I cooked for my parents, and I’m going to do that again this year.”