Having rounded off 2022 with a ten match unbeaten run, City will return to action in January with a spring in our step.
That fine form on the pitch is the result of tireless work off it from the players, who now have a chance to recharge the batteries as the Barclays Women’s Super League takes a mid-season break.
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For many, the Christmas period is an opportunity to spend time with loved ones and, while not essential, that also involves receiving and sending gifts – however big or small.
Sometimes they are just what you were hoping for… sometimes not!
With this in mind, we asked our City quartet to name some of their best and worst Christmas gifts, as well as what they have on their list for 2022…
What is the best Christmas gift you have received?
Steph Houghton: “I need to be careful here because my husband’s going to kill us if I don’t say one of his! I’d say the best present I’ve received is probably some form of jewellery.”
Julie Blakstad: “That’s a hard one! I remember when I was little I got a piano once. I still play it now, but not that often as it’s still in Norway. You were more into the gifts when you were younger, but it’s about spending time with people you love now.”
Hayley Raso: “Oh gosh, I need to think about that one. I remember from my brother once I got this big, pink inflatable flamingo. It was massive, I had it in the pool but it was too big, so I ended up putting it in the lake and floating down.”
Kerstin Casparij: “My girlfriend’s very smart and she made this little clock thing that you can put virtual quotes on. I have it on my nightstand and whenever she wants to send me a message, she just puts it on that so it’s the first thing I see. It’s a handmade gift with a lot of thought.”
What is the worst Christmas gift you have received?
Steph Houghton: “Oh, just like a rubbish scarf or gloves. Something where I’m just thinking: ‘Yeah, I’m not going to use them anywhere!’”
Julie Blakstad: “I actually like to get things like socks [laughs] because that’s something which is annoying to buy yourself. I don’t know, that’s too hard, but I’m defending the socks!”
Hayley Raso: “Honestly, I don’t think I ever get bad presents. I always get good presents, I’m always grateful!”
Kerstin Casparij: “It was very cute and I was only about ten, but I received a drawing from one of the younger kids in the street who I used to play with, and they put it in an envelope. I didn’t realise though, and when I ripped open the envelope, I ripped the whole drawing as well. I still to this day feel really bad, but even though it’s so thoughtful, that was the worst gift because I just completely ruined it. As a child as well, I was thinking: ‘why do I get a drawing?’”
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What is on your Christmas list for 2022?
Steph Houghton: “To be with my family and friends basically, and to actually switch off. Especially this year, it’s been quite tough mentally and I’ve probably not always got the outcomes that I’ve wanted. I wouldn’t change what I’ve done, but I think my body and my mind’s a little bit ready just spend some time being a little bit normal. I think that time will allow us to kick on for the next part of the season.”
Julie Blakstad: “Going home and seeing my family and friends who I haven’t seen since the summer. That counts the most and is definitely what I’m most looking forward to.”
Hayley Raso: “Sunshine! To go back to Australia and get some sun.”
Kerstin Casparij: “Just to be with my family and have a good time. Hopefully we’ll have some snow as well and to go ice skating. That’s what we do, we skate around the canals and stuff. If I’m able to do that, I’ll be content.”
