Even in the vast emptiness of space, the holiday spirit finds a way to thrive.
For astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS), celebrating Christmas isn’t just a reminder of home — it’s a cherished tradition.
Their celebrations combine scientific precision with a deep sense of camaraderie, all while maintaining their critical work orbiting Earth.
A Festive Feast in Zero Gravity
This year, the holiday meal features smoked turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, and freeze-dried corn, according to WP.
NASA’s food scientists work tirelessly on Earth to ensure the astronauts have meals that are nutritious, safe, and comforting.
Previous menus have included fruit salads and even hot chocolate, bringing a touch of seasonal cheer.
ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, along with three NASA astronauts and three Roscosmos cosmonauts, will mark the occasion with a shared meal, video calls with loved ones, and breathtaking views of Earth.
Between festivities, they continue experiments and maintenance tasks as part of Expedition 72.
Holidays Through the Years
The tradition of celebrating holidays in space dates back decades. In 1968, the Apollo 8 crew orbited the Moon on Christmas Eve, reading from the Book of Genesis in a historic broadcast.
By the 1970s, Skylab astronauts had crafted makeshift Christmas trees, and cosmonauts toasted the New Year aboard the Soviet space station Salyut-6.
In more recent years, astronauts have enjoyed diverse holiday meals, from foie gras to lentils with salted pork. Gifts, stockings, and even visits from a “space Santa” keep spirits high.
These traditions underscore the human need for connection, even 250 miles above the Earth.
A Global Celebration
The ISS crew’s celebrations aren’t limited to Christmas.
Over the years, they’ve marked Hanukkah, Chinese New Year, and Thanksgiving, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of those who venture into space.
NASA astronaut Thomas Marshburn once noted that watching the Sun rise multiple times a day fosters a unique sense of unity.
“Each sunrise reminds us of the people waking up around the world,” he said, capturing the profound connection astronauts feel to humanity during the holidays.
