1899 spreading Christmas cheer

Members of Hoffenheim's first team squad donned Santa hats and got well and truly into the Christmas spirit at Zuzenhausen's Christmas markets on Sunday, selling mulled wine and roasting sausages for visitors. The initiative was in aid of 100 children from disadvantaged backgrounds in the urban Rhein-Neckar region.

The players were in good spirits, not least due to the result they had earned on the previous day, winning 2-0 away at 1. FC Nürnberg and ending a run of five straight defeats on the road. “There's a relief among the guys today. Winning in Nürnberg really helped get a monkey off our backs” club captain Andreas Beck had said after the game.

Isaac Vorsah showed his capabilities on the grill, while Bosnians Sejad Salihovic and Vedad Ibisevic sold fresh rolls. Roberto Firmino and Jannik Vestergaard were on tea duty, and Peniel Mlapa distributed mugs of mulled wine to keep spirits warm in the cold weather. Goalkeepers Tom Starke and Daniel Haas were on hand to sell sausages and candles to the many Hoffenheim fans who came to support their team and community. Tobias Weis and Manuel Gulde handed out waffles, and Ryan Babel and Chinedu Obasi helped out on the grill.

Last but not least there were USA internationals Fabian Johnson and Daniel Williams, who sold Langos, a Hungarian delicacy with assorted fillings. It was a double celebration for Johnson, who also celebrated his 24th birthday on Sunday.