Sport, Traditions & Holiday Energy: How Professional Athletes Experien

When December arrives, even the most disciplined athletes feel the shift — a warm, nostalgic, festive atmosphere. Despite the glow of Christmas lights and the scent of gingerbread, sport remains a part of who they are. Each athlete finds their own way to blend traditions, rest, and training while keeping VPLab’s nutritional support in their routine.

For athletes, Christmas looks a bit different — somewhere between presents, festive meals, and quiet evenings, there is always space for movement.
For example, basketball player Sophie Abela from Malta prefers to train in the morning, making room for holiday meals and her favorite dessert — a rich Christmas log.

Similarly, Georgian marathon runner Davit Kharazishvili keeps his tradition of early training even during the holidays, enjoying family time and classic Georgian sweets like gozinaki and pelamushi afterward.

Latvian basketball player Vanesa Jasa has her own charming ritual: before opening presents, each family member performs something — a poem, a joke, a dance, or simply a heartfelt wish. It’s a tradition that fills the house with warmth and togetherness.

Meanwhile, motocross world champion Pauls Jonass, living in Belgium, preserves Latvian holiday traditions by cooking national dishes. A morning workout and homemade gingerbread in the evening are his holiday balance.

⭐ Balancing Festive Treats and Athletic Routines

Even though athletes allow themselves more freedom during the holidays, their nutritional structure doesn't disappear.
Some focus on immunity support, especially in winter — like Vanesa, who adds vitamins D, C, zinc, and maintains her protein intake.
Others, like Sophie, rely on their everyday essentials such as Omega-3, no matter the season.

Athletes with heavier winter schedules adjust their nutrition: Pauls increases his protein and vitamin D intake, while Davit focuses more on recovery products to stay strong through long-distance training.

⭐ Training Doesn’t Take a Holiday

December may be busy and full of temptations, but training remains a comforting constant:

some opt for light morning workouts,
some use the season for mental reset,
others try to maintain rhythm with more flexibility.

Movement becomes a grounding ritual — physically and emotionally.

⭐ VPLab: Year-Round Support

Despite their differences, athletes gravitate toward similar VPLab favorites:

FitActive Isotonic Drink — daily hydration support (Pauls, Davit)
FitActive Zero electrolytes — essential during competitions
Protein powders — vital for basketball recovery
BCAA — Sophie’s must-have for games
Omega-3 — Sophie’s everyday staple
Vitamins D, C, zinc — winter essentials for immunity

For most, the priority is recovery, allowing them to stay strong and motivated throughout the season.

🎇 Final Thoughts

These stories remind us that Christmas isn’t a break from being an athlete — it’s a chance to reconnect with family, culture, and personal rituals. Whether celebrating in Malta, Georgia, Latvia, or Belgium, each athlete finds joy in balance, gratitude, and movement.

May this season bring you the same warmth, strength, and inspiration.