Christmas weekend

As you can imagine, Christmas is a busy time around McMurdo.  It starts off with the Christmas program at the waste barn.  It is set up with rows of discarded couches and chairs.  You have to get there fairly early to get a seat as it is a popular event.  There are hosts and hostesses that come around and serve beer and cookies.  The evening starts off with some Christmas songs done by the local bands or individuals.  Some classic songs, many are renditions of popular songs that have been tailored to living in Antarctica.  They are very clever and well done.  There was Oh Holy Night (about falling on your knees because of the ice), I'm getting fired for Christmas, The twelve days in Christchurch, and many more.  This is one event I really enjoy.  The party was held on the 17th so the theme was apocalyptic so there were elves riding on asteriods.

One Christmas Eve, we had our big Christmas dinner.  There was tons of food, and it was a nice relaxing evening.  The next morning we had our White Elephant gift exchange at Hut 10.  Hut 10 used to be officers quarters, but now you can request it and hold parties there.  We decorate it for Christmas and show every Christmas movie ever produced while we play games and have fun.

On Christmas day, there is the McMurdo Alternative Art Gallery (MAAG).  MAAG is a lot of fun and the creative people of the community can showcase their work.  Here are some of the MAAG entries:





Playing giant Jenga

Giant Teeter Totter

The carpentry shop where MAAG is held

MAAG Mascot

Hamster wheel for people