“NASA Astronauts aboard the International Space Station Convey Festive Wishes”
### The Holidays in Orbit: How Astronauts Celebrate Seasonal Cheer Aboard the International Space Station
The festive season frequently brings to mind warm reunions with loved ones and the exchange of gifts by a glowing fireplace. However, for the astronauts stationed on the **International Space Station (ISS)**, honoring Christmas and New Year’s possesses an entirely unique charm—floating in microgravity 250 miles above the planet. This year, the **Expedition 72 crew** attracted attention by sharing festive cheer in their special way, reminding us that the essence of the holidays lies in connection, not just geography.
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### A Joyful Greeting from Space
To connect with family and friends on Earth, the Expedition 72 crew—headed by **Commander Sunita “Suni” Williams**—created a touching holiday video. Dressed in cheerful clothing, including reindeer antlers, Santa hats, and even a cowboy hat for a Texan flair, the astronauts conveyed their excitement for the season. Commander Williams led the message, stating, *”It’s a wonderful time of year up here. We get to celebrate with all of our family on the International Space Station. There are seven of us, and we’re looking forward to spending this time together.”*
The station crew comprised NASA astronauts **Barry “Butch” Wilmore**, **Don Pettit**, **Nick Hague**, alongside a trio of Russian cosmonauts from **Roscosmos—Alexey Ovchinin, Ivan Vagner, and Aleksandr Gorbunov**. To extend the holiday spirit further, the astronauts ingeniously constructed a snowman using stowage bags and adorned a petite artificial Christmas tree, complete with candy canes and floating decorations in zero gravity. The ornaments held an extra special meaning, displaying pictures of their loved ones back on Earth.
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### The Spirit of the Season, From Orbit
Embodying themes of togetherness and appreciation, the astronauts shared their thoughts on what the holidays signify for them in space. For **Nick Hague**, who has been living aboard the ISS for several months and is scheduled to return to Earth in March, the mission’s achievements during the festive period wouldn’t be possible without teamwork.
*”During the Christmas season, it’s about spending time with friends, family, and loved ones. This year, we’ll be in orbit away from them,” Hague noted, acknowledging the mission control teams around the world aiding the astronauts. “There’s a vast team on the ground that will be supporting us at mission controls globally. I’d like to express my gratitude for their sacrifices,”* he added.
This sentiment highlighted the essential collaboration and dedication that sustains the ISS throughout the year.
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### Ringing in the New Year—16 Times!
One of the most extraordinary aspects of celebrating on the ISS is the ability to circle the planet quickly enough to enjoy **16 sunrises and sunsets every day**. As the clock struck midnight across different time zones below, the Expedition 72 crew welcomed **2025** in their remarkable fashion, with breathtaking views of Earth’s illuminated landscapes and the expansive starry sky above.
The crew celebrated the milestone on social media by posting stunning images and reflections. The ISS account remarked on their unique vantage point, stating, *“The Expedition 72 crew entered 2025 experiencing 16 sunrises and sunsets from 250 miles above the Earth.”*
Nick Hague expressed his feelings on Instagram, writing: *”Reflecting on the year, it’s been incredible! We’ve achieved so much as the @iss continues to explore scientifically for all of humanity while we anticipate a future brimming with hope and opportunities. Happy 2025!”*
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### Gratitude Among the Stars
While spending the holidays above Earth is certainly a unique experience, it also highlights the perseverance and commitment of those who enable such missions. Hague conveyed deep gratitude not only for his fellow astronauts but also for the ground teams globally who tirelessly work throughout the holiday period. He underscored the strong connection that binds them together, calling it a *”hand-in-hand” collaboration*.
As part of Expedition 72’s objectives, the astronauts persist in conducting innovative scientific studies, enhancing humanity’s knowledge of everything from Earth’s environments to the effects of space travel on the human body. Their efforts in 2024 and beyond will not only facilitate future astronaut missions to the Moon and Mars but also contribute to improving life on Earth.
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### The Magic of Space, the Spirit of Home
For the crew aboard the International Space Station, observing the holidays in microgravity may appear quite different from the customs we uphold on Earth, yet their spirits resonate with the same global values: love, appreciation, and connection. By sharing their experiences with the public through video messages and social networks, they remind us that regardless of where we celebrate, the true enchantment of the holidays resides in the relationships we hold dear.
As Hague so beautifully expressed,