One of the great traditions in Germany are the Christmas markets. As a German/American and having lived in Germany now for 20 plus years, I have seen many incredible Xmas markets and it definitely never gets old. I have seen my share of pretty ones like in Frankfurt and Limburg and even got rid of some money for nice Christmas presents in an old castle named Arenfels. The place was perched high on a hill overlooking the Rhein River. The view was simply breathtaking even under the stars. For American ballers in Germany for the first time, visiting a traditional German Xmas market is something on every guys bucket list. It wasn´t any different for second year pro Calvin Wishart (188-G-1999, college: UCSB) who is playing this season in the Pro B for VR Bank Wuerzburg Baskets Akademie (Germany-ProB). But for him walking around in Wurzburg and taking in the great atmosphere, delicious food and hand made trinkets at a Xmas market wasn´t enough, he just had too experience so much more. “I have been able to visit a few of them yes I have been able to go to some in Munich, Frankfurt, Landshut and Würzburg.”, stated Calvin Wishart. The Christmas time for him like so many other ballers overseas is a very vital time of the year. “Christmas is a really important time to be with family and friends. I think that’s the most important thing. Christmas is a magical time of year full of spirit, gift giving, and love. Through the winter time, it being cold and dreary, it’s something to bring up your spirits and enjoy what winter brings with friends and family”, said Calvin Wishart.

The Minnesota native already witnessed Christmas last season as a rookie in Portugal and this season has a massive luxury. In the Pro B, he has a 2 week break. If he would be playing in the easyCredit BBL or Pro A who play during the holidays, he would have to remain in Germany which would still be nice, but this season, he will experience a new kind of Xmas. “I will be celebrating Christmas in Athens, Greece this year with my best friend Anders Nelson”, commented Calvin Wishart. But he will have some interesting stories to tell in Athens about the German tradition as well. For him the Christmas markets remain one of the nicer things, but he also witnessed other things. “I appreciate how people are still outside. The Christmas markets are a good time for people to congregate and share a warm mug and conversations. We had a Christmas party with the Würzburg organization with all the guys and families of the players”, expressed Calvin Wishart. In Germany one opens up presents on Christmas Eve and in the States on the 25th of December in the morning. Would he ever change the tradition if in Germany? “I’m a firm believer that presents should be opened on Christmas morning after Santa has dropped them off via chimney access”, added Calvin Wishart. He also believes that the marketing of Christmas is just as big in Germany as in USA, but believes that one thing is done better here than at home. “I think it’s more decorated here in Europe. Even in Portugal. The towns here do a good job of dressing the city up in Christmas! obviously I’m away from family here in Europe during the holidays so it’s a bit harder, and I have fonder memories of Christmas in Minnesota”, said Calvin Wishart.

I can imagine the American will tell some childhood stories in Greece when he meets new people. Every American has their special memories of how Xmas was as a kid and it isn´t any different for him. “Christmas as a kid was easily the best time of year. On Christmas Eve, my family would host both sides of the family at our home in Buffalo, MN. Mom and dad would put together a big spread of food and drinks for 20-30 people. My dad started the tradition, “Prime Rib Dinner at Wishart’s Tavern” when I was young and we did that every year. We would go to candle lit church service on the eve around 10 pm, come home and sleep and wake up on the morning to open gifts. Growing up my parents really spoiled us with the best gifts”, remembered Calvin Wishart. He also will never forget his favorite gift as a kid. “When I was in 1st grade Santa brought me a PSP, a PlayStation portable. I have it to this day and it’s my most prized possession”, said Calvin Wishart. But nothing is nicer than having the whole family assembled around the fire place on Christmas eve as the dinner is being prepared. There are so many special traditions in families and it isn´t any different with family Wishart. “The Christmas Eve dinners when the whole family would be at our house. We’d also play “broom ball” on our neighbors ice rink. Which is basically skate less ice hockey. With long paddles and a like a handball”, remembered Calvin Wishart. But he still has one order of business before he flies to Greece and that is playing one last game on December 21st. Wurzburg has had an amazing turnround after losing it´s first 6 games, it now has won 5 in a row thanks to the great leadership of head coach Alex King and the dynamic duo of Hannes Steinbach and Calvin Wishart. “A good road win at Bayern Munich going into the break bringing the streak to 6”, smiled Calvin Wishart who believes teammate Eddy Rantz would moonlight bets on the team as a Santa Claus. Unfortunately their winning streak ended in Munich. Now he and the team have a weeks to get their batteries recharged for the second half of the season.