Antarctic Christmas

30 December 2002

In Antarctica Christmas falls in the middle of the very busy summer season.

Without access to television, advertising, street decorations and all the other reminders of approaching Yuletide that are unavoidable back in Australia, here the festive season creeps up quickly. Right up to Christmas Eve, work at Davis went on just as usual. Instead of office parties and neighbourhood barbecues, our helicopters flew scientists to their research sites, equipment was serviced, radio communications maintained with field parties, and a multitude of other jobs undertaken.

Biologists and sisters Tamara and Marjolein beside the Davis Christmas tree with its mountain of presents. December 2002. Photo J. Smith

Although we had few of the usual reminders of Christmas, preparations nevertheless were going ahead. The plastic tree had been hung with tinsel, and beneath it a veritable mountain of gifts appeared. Many were from expeditioners' families, sent down on the last ship as a surprise. As well, everyone had drawn a name from a hat to prepare a gift for another expeditioner. The workshops were busy until late at night as imaginative presents were carefully prepared, and surreptitiously placed upon the growing pile.

Christmas chefs Meredith and Gerbil. December 2002. Photo J. Smith

Another busy place was, of course, the kitchen. Our two chefs, Meredith and Gerbil, assisted by rostered and volunteer slushies, laboured for days to prepare a feast we will never forget. The large walk-in fridge was packed full of things ready to be cooked and served to the seventy or so people here.

The day itself turned out to be windy and grey, not very cold (only around freezing point!) with snow showers passing through. It was not good helicopter flying weather, forecaster Martin confirmed, so scientists and helicopter crew alike were able to relax and enjoy the day. Had it been clear and sunny, they would have been in the air: with a very full science program to complete we cannot afford to waste any precious fine weather.

For most of us the day started with telephone calls. We are a few hours behind Australian time zones, so as we got up for breakfast, our families were already preparing lunch, and opening the presents we left behind months ago. The Davis Christmas program started at 1000 local time, with a light meal served informally off the pool table in the bar area, accompanied by champagne. Then the choir entertained us. Eight choristers led by Lance, with Andrew on keyboard, sang carols and other festive songs that they had been practising secretly each night for a week.

Santa Claus and his elves arrive at Davis. 25 December 2002. Photo J. Smith

No sooner had the carols come to an end than Santa (alias Mark) arrived outside aboard a sleigh (trailer) drawn by a team of reindeer (tradesmen wearing white protective clothing and red antlers, riding quads), accompanied by several gaily attired elves. Into the building they all pranced, and proceeded to dispense the gifts beneath the tree. It took more than an hour. There was much laughter at the clever gift ideas, and the ingenuity shown in making them. There was also a little private sadness as presents and messages were opened from loved ones far away, reminders of what all of us are missing at home even as we enjoy our wonderful surroundings in Antarctica.

Now it was time to lay the tables. Facilities are grossly overcrowded in summer, when the maximum number of people is at the station, so in order to seat everyone together, extra tables and chairs needed to be brought in and the usual furniture in the lounge moved out. With many willing hands it took only a few moments. Seventy places were laid, each with a decorated menu.

Christmas dinner at Davis. 25 December 2002. Photo J. Smith

Bottles of wine were opened and people were invited to take their seats. Then, table by table, we took our plates to the kitchen. The food laid out there was a sight to behold. There were delicious soups, hot dishes of turkey, pork, ham, salmon, several vegetables and sauces, but pride of place went to an array of seafood, where prawns, oysters and half crayfish lay decoratively on a bed of glacial ice. There was more than enough of everything, as good a Christmas dinner as you could have anywhere, despite all of it having been prepared from frozen rather than fresh ingredients. A toast was drunk to family and friends far away.

By the time the meal was cleared away it was early evening, still bright of course, in this place where the summer sun never sets, but cold and windy so the planned cricket match did not eventuate. Instead, the party broke up into small groups, then one by one we took ourselves off to bed. It had been a long, tiring but very happy day.

Boxing Day was forecast to have brighter, calmer weather, so for many there would be no chance to enjoy a late morning. But what a fine Christmas Day we had all had!

Written by Davis Station leader, Jeremy Smith.