For some ballers overseas nothing ever changes during the Xmas season. You either have the opportunity to go home or you don´t. For California native Juhwan Harris-Dyson (198-SG-1999, college: California), he has played 4 of his 5 pro seasons in Germany in Herford, Wulfen, Hagen and Bad Honnef while also grabbing a season of experience in Romania.I mean there is nothing nicer than to be home with family and relatives for Christmas, but having that option overseas to celebrate Xmas isn´t a bad option either as seeing how other cultures celebrate is definitely a delight. That he lives on the west coast isn´t exactly around the corner either. “I have actually spent all my Pro years overseas for Christmas. Of course I miss being home with my family but the last year the break hasn’t lined up where I have enough time to travel back home California is a long flight. I really try to enjoy in it and really dive into the holiday season here overseas. One thing I love is visiting different Christmas markets here in Germany”, stated Juhwan Harris-Dyson. He will keep his perfect record overseas alive this season as he will be in beautiful Bavaria for Xmas. “I will celebrate Christmas down south in Würzburg. Sadly I won’t be able to go home this Christmas but I’m looking forward to seeing my parents here in Germany at the end of the season”, smiled Juhwan Harris-Dyson.

For the Swiss army knife who has made the transition from the endless grind in the Regionalliga to the Pro B very well has always had traditional values and celebrated Xmas the way one always should. “For me Christmas is the celebration of Jesus on his birthday and what he has done for the world. My Christmas growing up was spent around family opening presents the night of the 24th going into the 25th. With a nice meal following on Christmas Day”, said Juhwan Harris-Dyson. Every kid has their favorite gift and it´s no surprise that his has to do with the game he loves most. “My favorite present was from my parents. They gifted me Lakers tickets for a Christmas Day game”, stated Juhwan Harris-Dyson. But Xmas is also about giving and he also remembers a Christmas where he made a family member very happy. “My favorite present that I gave a family member was to my little nephew. He really loves cars so I got him a truck to play with the look on his face was priceless”, remembered Juhwan Harris-Dyson.

The ex University of California (NCAA) player has spent the last years in Germany and always had a great time with all the amazing offerings in the Xmas time. It is a totally different experience for him in comparison to what people see in the States. “In America we are not really celebrating Advent and other things like this. We typically only celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. One thing I do miss about the states is the way people decorate their houses during this time of year”, stated Juhwan Harris-Dyson. The beautiful and unique Christmas markets remain a very popular activity not only with the locals, but also the ballers. “I’ve visited a few Christmas markets in the cities I’ve played in previously in Germany. This year I got the chance to swing by the Christmas market in Bonn to walk around and especially get on the Ferris wheel there. I’m also looking forward to checking the market in Köln off my list this holiday season”, added Juhwan Harris-Dyson. He has experienced the act of opening presents overseas now for years. But since he also had opened some presents on Xmas Eve back in the day seeing how it´s done overseas is nothing new for him. “It definitely gives you some anticipation through the day waiting for the night to open gifts. For me it’s not something out of the ordinary but for most Americans this can be something new for them”, expressed Juhwan Harris-Dyson. No matter if he is in USA or overseas, he can always get a dose of his favorite food, movies and music during the special holiday season. “Christmas cookies is one of my favorite things about the holiday. Sugar cookies are taking the top spot for me I’m a huge sweets’ person. For movies I have two depending on the mood I’m in. My two choices would be either Home Alone or The Grinch. For Christmas songs I have to go with probably the most recognizable song- “All I Want for Christmas” by Mariah Carey”, commented Juhwan Harris-Dyson. Even when he will be nestled on a couch somewhere during Xmas, he won´t forget how fortunate he is as there are millions of others world wide that won´t be celebrating the way he is. “I´m just wishing for peace in the world as there is a lot chaos going on currently”, stated Juhwan Harris- Dyson. With 2026 just around the corner, does he practice the classic New Years resolution? “I want to read more books and try to travel somewhere outside of Bonn/Rhöndorf at least once a month”, said Juhwan Harris-Dyson. I have an idea about the perfect book for him. He will just have to wait until the next home game.