Before the year comes to an end and the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team starts the new season at full power, it's time to get festive: Christmas is just around the corner. So we asked some of our Team members about their personal holiday customs.
Anna Schwaiger, Systems Low Voltage Engineer
"I’m driving back home to Munich for the holidays. Like every year, the whole family gets together to celebrate Christmas in a nice, cozy atmosphere. Traditionally, this includes a big Christmas tree that is put up and decorated on Christmas Eve. Behind closed doors, the living room gets all decorated, the table is set and the presents are laid out. When the preparations are done, we ring a little bell and let everyone come in. Now Christmas is officially ready to start. This tradition has been around since I was little and is still a highlight, especially for the children in my family."
Shanine Johnson, Brands & Sports Communication
"On Christmas Eve, everyone gets together at my grandmother's house in Bavaria. On December 24th, we traditionally have a rather simple meal like potato salad or carp, plus homemade punch and cookies. Together we decorate the Christmas tree, unwrap presents and reminisce about old times. One day later, on December 25th, everyone gets up very early to prepare the big lunchtime feast: Roast goose with red cabbage and dumplings. Delicious!"
Pascal Wehrlein, Driver #94
"As a kid, I always waited for the Christ Child on Christmas Eve until I once caught my dad with the presents instead (laughs). Today it's clear: the best thing about Christmas is the time you spend together with your family. And the good food, of course! For us, it's the classic raclette and fondue..."
Anna Teslik, Press
"As an Australian, to me, Christmas means pure sunshine. I now live in Florida, USA, where we have similar summer temperatures during the holidays. I love that, even though it's the complete opposite of what's shown in the classic, north-American Christmas movies. Our routine traditionally includes a big lunch on December 25th. Afterwards we exchange presents and snuggle up on the couch. My biggest Christmas wish this year: a reunion with my family in the US."
Rich Connor, Driver Performance Coach
"I usually spend the holidays with family and friends in a hut in the mountains. There we sit together, cook, eat and go hiking a lot. It's a great way to recharge your batteries before the season starts. For Christmas itself, we're staying at home this year. In the UK, we traditionally have a stuffed turkey. After dinner, I meet up with friends for a little Christmas ritual: we dress up, decorate our bikes with fairy lights and go on a tour around the houses to the nearest pub."
António Félix Da Costa, Driver #13
"In Portugal, Christmas is all about family - and in my case, it's huge. Although my parents are now divorced, my way of celebrating Christmas hasn't changed in the last 31 years: On December 24th, I first go to church with my mother’s side of the family and then we’re having dinner all together. After that, I round off the evening with my father's family. So, it can happen that I spend time with around 100 relatives on Christmas Eve. That's super cool and only happens once a year. And that's exactly what Christmas is all about for me: Quality time with the whole family."
There is only one thing left to say: The whole TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team wishes you a Happy Holiday and every New Year success – with a bit of luck we’ll get some on January 14th in Mexico City!