“It’s a little different this year”: Westfield Matildas share their Christmas traditions

For many of our Westfield Matildas, Christmas in 2020 will look a whole lot different to usual.

As we approach Christmas Day, Arsenal FC teammates Steph Catley and Lydia Williams are preparing to celebrate the holiday away from those they love, in London.

For Williams, the day would usually consist of spending time with family and friends.

“It's been different this year but my mum and I normally go over to a couple of friend's places, one for Christmas lunch, one for Christmas dinner,” the goalkeeper shares.

“We do presents in the morning and then just kind of spend the whole day visiting family and friends.”

While Catley will not be able to head down to the beaches of Melbourne like usual, enjoying a Christmas feast will help her maintain as much normality as possible.

“I would say most of the Christmas traditions that I have revolved around my family,” the former Melbourne City captain says.

“It’s mostly around Christmas Eve and getting together, lots of food, trips to the beach.

“So it's a little different this year now that I'm in England and it's going to be a cold Christmas, most of those traditions won’t be followed up.

“The ones with food I'll try and stick to - I'll try and make what I usually would eat with my family on Christmas Day.”

The duo have enjoyed a strong start to the FA WSL season as Arsenal second, four points off frontrunners Manchester United, with ten games played. 

Their season will recommence on the 9th January with an away trip to Aston Villa. 

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