She's more than 16,000 kilometres away from home in a country which celebrates Christmas in the sun.

But she's found a Norwegian family in Canberra, and she didn't have to look far.

The Canberra United import will join teammate Karly Roestbakken and her family for a Norwegian Christmas on December 24.

"Christmas Eve is the hardest day to be away from home," Thorsnes said.

"It's nice to be at Roesty's house, have Christmas food and talking Norwegian to [her father] Jack.

"I've been to her house a couple of times for dinner with her family and it's so nice to just sit there and talk Norwegian, I don't have to think. Australian people are very friendly, I feel like I'm always welcome."

Roestbakken's father Jack is Norwegian and played in that country's second league before emigrating to Australia, where the United defender was born.

Not only has he passed on his football talents, but has also introduced Norwegian Christmas traditions to his Australian family.

The Roestbakken's and Thorsnes will spend the day eating Norwegian food and listen to traditional music while dancing around the Christmas tree.

It'll be their last chance to relax before preparing for United's Boxing Day clash with the Western Sydney Wanderers at McKellar Park.

"It's the one big connection I'm able to have to Norway and it's very special for my dad," Roestbakken said.

"He obviously misses home, he loves Norway and wishes he could be there. I think having these little things really makes him feel like he's still in Norway.

"At lunch we eat a Norwegian porridge and have to find a little nut in it. The person who finds it gets a prize. That's been the same since I was little, my dad is really big on tradition.

"He loves dancing around the Christmas tree at night and dresses up like Santa. He does that every year, so we'll see if he does it again."

Roestbakken made a shock World Cup debut earlier this year after being a late addition to Ante Milicic's squad for the tournament in France.

Her rise to the international stage came full circle when she came off the bench in the Matildas' quarter-final loss to Norway in Nice.

Jack wore an Australian jersey with pride while his brother was admittedly torn between the nations.

"It was a very special moment and my dad was super proud," Roestbakken said.

"He was going for Australia and wore a jersey but deep down he had a little thing for Norway. My uncle just wore anything, he was going for Australia but I think he was a bit torn.

"It was very special because [my dad] has always been a big role in my footballing career so far. To have him there in a very special and big moment meant everything.

"I wouldn't be where I am without my family."

W-LEAGUE ROUND SEVEN

Thursday: Canberra United v Western Sydney Wanderers at McKellar Park, 7.30pm