Christmas? On a research vessel? In a tropic climate? How does that work?
Christmas?
Coming from a culture where Christmas is not celebrated, the holiday season soon became one of my favorite times of the year in Germany. Not necessarily for religious reasons, but the feeling that surrounds you.
The Northern Germany Factor
, with short and gloomy days, and you can feel depressed really easily. But when the entire town is covered in Christmas lights and festive decorations, the early arriving nighttime actually adds to the cozy feeling that the setting creates.
However, my fifth Christmas in Germany (this Christmas) is certainly the most unusual one, because I am spending the advent on the German research vessel Sonne.
Weather
This is unusual for multiple reasons. First of all, we are in the southern hemisphere, therefore it is summer over here! No cold, no snow, no short days, and quite the opposite, actually! Listening to Christmas music feels wrong when it is 30 degrees outside and you can go sunbathing!
The Advent Calendar
Decorations
Moreover, the ship’s common areas are decorated in a festive way. Two Christmas trees are set up, one in the mess and one in the lounge. Also, the mess turned into a small-scale Christmas wonderland, with lots of ornaments hanging around from everywhere, pictures, decorations, and center pieces on every table.
The Christmas Market
I think the highlight of the Christmas onboard was definitely the little Christmas market that the crew organized one night. Outside on the deck, we had warm punch, sweet snacks, Christmas music playing in the background, decorations, and a very good time. It was so nice to see people even wearing “ugly Christmas sweaters”. It was one of the most memorable evenings onboard.