With Christmas rapidly approaching, we’ve spoken to a number of Chelsea players across our men’s and women’s teams to find out about their favourite holiday memories as we countdown to the big day.
In the next instalment of our festive campaign, we’ve spoken to both sides of the James household – Reece and Lauren – to see what a traditional Christmas looks like to them.
Lauren’s up first with her thoughts below, while you can read Reece’s Christmas memories here:
‘As a kid growing up, our Christmas traditions would start on Christmas Eve,’ Lauren recalls.
‘We’d go to my nan’s and then obviously we’d celebrate at home with everyone on Christmas Day and then on Boxing Day, we’d visit my grandad.
‘I loved going to my nan’s and it was nice to visit her because she was on her own. She would cook some amazing food for us and then we’d take some home with us to have at breakfast the following day. That’s a tradition for us, we’d have lots of ham and Caribbean food.
‘That is what Christmas for me is all about, being with loved ones. My family is very important to me, especially during the festive period. It’s probably the one time of the year where we all have the time to have a break from our own careers to come together at the same time. It’s very special.’
Lauren’s Christmas message
‘My message to Chelsea fans this Christmas is just to have fun, eats lots and enjoy time with your loved ones!’