With seven international players on the Iowa State tennis team, many of the players are going back home over the break. Even though the holidays are coming up, the players are still focusing on the regular season when they come back.

Senior Caroline Andersen will be going back home to Bergen, Norway and says she can’t wait to see her family and friends. She also can’t wait for the holiday season with Christmas and New Year’s approaching.

“I think we’re all excited for the regular season, but I also think we need a little break with family, especially after a tough finals week,” Andersen said.

Christmas day is on the 24th rather than the 25th for Andersen’s family. The 25th is still important and incorporates family time, but the 24th is a traditional feast in Norway.

“On Christmas day, my father makes a traditional meal with lamb and potatoes,” Andersen said. “I don’t enjoy lamb that much, but my father’s meal is great to eat every year.”

Senior Ksenia Pronina celebrates Christmas in her hometown of Duesseldorf, Germany, but not in Russia where her parents where born.

“Christmas is celebrated in January instead of the three days in December,” Pronina said.

Pronina celebrates Christmas Eve on the 24th with a traditional meal of sausages and potato salad. On Christmas day, Pronina used to have a common meal, but the customs faded away during her childhood.

“My dad used to make a stuffed goose every Christmas, but my mom and I don’t like that type of meat, so he no longer makes it for our family,” Pronina said.

Junior Alejandra Galvis takes more of a religious approach for her holiday in Cucuta, Colombia. On Christmas Eve, Galvis and her family go to church and afterwards, her grandmother’s house.

“We usually stay with the family and open presents,” Galvis said. “Then we go out with our friends at about two o’clock in the morning on Christmas day. The traditional meal that my mother and grandmother make after church is usually a Colombian meal or turkey.”

Freshman Anna Garcia also celebrates Christmas in Reus, Spain, is more relaxed and not as traditional as most countries.

“On the 24th and 25th, we celebrate the holiday with my mother and father’s sides of the family and watch festival shows,” Garcia said.

After the break, the team will play in Florida to warm up for the regular season. The actual regular season starts on Jan. 30, but the team is healthy and prepared.

“My back is feeling better, but I’m still getting treatment,” Garcia said. “Overall, I’m ready to play in matches and feeling little to no pain.”

The players will continue their practices over break to be in shape and improve their game for the tournament in Florida on Jan. 16-18.

As for the new recruit, Liera Bender, coach Armando Espinosa hasn’t decided on the red shirting Bender for this spring season. He has to see her game when the team comes back from break before confirming his decision.

The regular season will begin at home on Jan. 30 with Omaha coming to the Ames Racquet Club.