Rice pudding, a glass of wine for Santa and lots of family time: how the Bayer 04 Women spend the holidays

Cornelia Kramer, Denmark: “I spend Christmas with my family. It's typically Danish to go to church first and then eat rice pudding with cherry sauce, called ‘risalamande’, after dinner. A single almond is hidden in the middle of this rice pudding – and whoever finds it in their portion gets a small gift. Afterwards, we dance around the tree and sing songs, and then we open our presents. On New Year's Eve, I prepare the meal with my father and a family friend, and then we have a good time. At 6 p.m., we listen to the King's New Year's speech. In my family, it's a tradition to jump up from the couch at midnight.”

Janou Levels, Netherlands: “At Christmas, we usually have a big meal together, followed by opening our presents. Then we make ourselves comfortable, play games and look back on the past year together. I spend New Year's Eve either with friends or with family - there's good food again of course. For the New Year, I hope for lots of happy moments with my family.”

Karolina Lea Vilhjalmsdottir, Iceland: “On December 24th, we celebrate with the whole family, we all dress up nicely and usually eat the same three-course meal at 6 p.m. – I wouldn't change that for the world! After that, we open our presents and play cards. On New Year's Eve, we're a group of around 18 people celebrating and eating well together. In Iceland, there's a TV show called 'Áramótaskaup' that starts at 10:45 p.m. and is watched by the entire country. In it, actors parody what has happened in the country over the past year. After that, we go outside and set off fireworks. My wish for the next year is to stay fit. I want to focus on my goals and those of my team and enjoy life!”

Selina Ostermeier, Germany: “When we were kids in my little Bavarian village, we used to meet in the school gym and play Christmas games. After that, we went to mass together while our parents got the presents ready. Then we had a good meal together, usually an organic roast chicken with vegetables and potatoes, followed by chocolate mousse for dessert. After that, it was always time for ‘Home Alone’ on TV. Now we play together as a family at Christmas and enjoy the relaxing time. On New Year's Eve, it is a priority for me to start the new year with loved ones. The most important thing is and remains health. In terms of sport, we want to be as successful as possible.”

Juliette Vidal, France: “I celebrate Christmas in my home village, where the streets are full of twinkling lights. In France, Christmas is all about family, good food and spending time together. We enjoy our festive meal with grandma and grandpa and, in keeping with tradition, leave a glass of wine and clementines for Santa - he once even forgot his rope in the chimney! We celebrate New Year's Eve with friends, drink champagne and welcome in the new year with 'Bonne Année!' until the early hours of the morning.”

Shen Menglu, China: “Although Christmas has no religious or cultural roots in China, it has become a happy and fun occasion. Instead of Western rituals, typical Chinese traditions have developed: for example, people give each other apples in decorative packaging because our word for apple sounds similar to ‘peace’ and symbolizes good wishes. The New Year is celebrated with a countdown, fireworks and spending time with family and friends. In cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, there are big events with light shows. Younger people party, go out to eat or watch the big celebrations on TV. For the New Year, I hope to stay injury-free and continue to perform consistently well with the team.”

Synne Skinnes Hansen, Norway: "In the morning, my family and I have a hearty breakfast, after which we take a typically long Norwegian walk in the countryside. My boyfriend and I have a ritual of going to the mountains the day after Christmas and enjoying the winter wonderland. We then either celebrate the New Year there as a couple or with friends. Everything is covered in a festive blanket of snow and we get to go skiing a lot. Personally, my main New Year's resolution is to finally get back to full fitness and be back on the team. As for us as a team, I hope we're in a good international position at the end of the season."

Caroline Kehrer, Canada: "In the run-up to Christmas, my mother decorates the house and we bake lots of cookies. On the morning of 25 December, we open our Christmas stockings and presents as a family. When I was a child, my father used to take me and my brothers and sisters ice skating and we played in the snow. After Christmas dinner with the family, friends often stay overnight with us. On New Year's Day, there are fireworks and champagne. In the big cities, people join in the countdown together. For the new year, I hope for a good second half of the season, but above all, I wish my team, my friends and my family good health and good luck!"

Lilla Turanyi, Hungary: "We'll celebrate with the immediate family on the 24th. We'll decorate the tree in the morning, eat together in the evening, and then open our presents. The rest of the family will join us on the two public holidays. I'm a family person and I like to celebrate New Year's Eve together too. We usually play games and watch a film. My new year's resolution is to keep my family healthy and happy and for us to continue as a team where we left off in the first half of the season. I'll give it my all!"