Week 30 at the Pole

Several people in the middle of opening gifts for Christmas in July, someone in Santa costume seated at table.
Kevin Zagorski, SPT/NSF

It was back-to-back celebrations last week at the South Pole. First up was Christmas in July, a tradition observed at the Pole as well as at other places around the globe, especially in the Southern Hemisphere where the winter climate is in July rather than December. The winterovers put up seasonal decorations and lights, enjoyed treats and eggnog, had a Secret Santa gift exchange, and made cookies and gingerbread “structures” (not necessarily houses). The next evening the station shifted gears and held a Jimmy Buffet night. Instead of eggnog it was margaritas. They made burgers, dressed in themed attire, challenged each other to limbo, and ran episodes of Baywatch during the party.

Three people decorating cut out cookies, seated at table, tray of undecorated cookies and large bowls of colored icing before them.
Connor Duffy, IceCube/NSF
Someone in the middle of doing the limbo.
Krystian Kopka, NOAA/NSF
Group of five seated on sofa for group photo, dressed in summer/beach themed attire.
Courtney Smith, NSF