Astronauts stationed on the International Space Station (ISS) marked Christmas with a special message for those on Earth, highlighting the festive spirit and the bond among their crew. Expedition 72 commander Sunita Williams, along with her fellow NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore, Don Pettit and Nick Hague, shared a video recorded on December 23 to spread holiday cheer. The crew, stationed 260 miles above the Earth, embraced the holiday traditions in their unique environment, showcasing the importance of togetherness even when far from home.

Festivities Take a Spacebound Twist

The astronauts created a festive atmosphere on the ISS with floating candy canes and a whimsical snowman fashioned from storage bags. Williams, donning reindeer antlers, expressed joy in celebrating with her crewmates, stating that their unity as a team made the holiday meaningful. The multinational crew, including Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin, Ivan Vagner, and Aleksandr Gorbunov, joined in the festivities, making it an occasion that transcended borders.

Acknowledging the Team on Earth

Nick Hague took a moment to highlight the contributions of mission control teams who support the ISS around the clock. Reflecting on their shared commitment, he noted that many on Earth also sacrifice time with family to ensure the station’s operations continue smoothly. Hague’s words underlined the collaborative efforts that keep space exploration thriving, even during the holiday season.

Personal Touches to a Unique Celebration

A specially prepared meal was part of the crew’s celebration, introduced by Don Pettit, who offered a glimpse of the feast sent by Earth-based teams as per reports. Decorations aboard the station included a small artificial Christmas tree adorned with family photos, a heartfelt reminder of loved ones. Barry Wilmore, an ordained minister, reflected on the religious significance of Christmas, reminding viewers of the deeper meaning of the holiday.

The message closed with the entire crew wishing Earth a heartfelt “Merry Christmas,” sending a wave of festive joy from their extraordinary vantage point in orbit.