Preparing For Christmas In Antarctica

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30937, 18 December 1965, Page 23

Preparing For Christmas In Antarctica

Preparations for Christmas are being made at United States bases in the Antarctic. Old decorations have been placed with new in billets, clubs and all communal halls. Last week, several Christmas trees were flown to McMurdo Station from Christchurch for distribution to inland stations. About two tons of Christmas mail from the United States will be flown to McMurdo soon to be sorted and flown to other Antarctic stations.

A United States Navy j Super Constellation flew to Auckland yesterday to collect I ISOOIb of the mail. At Thristchiirch 30001 b has accumulated. Christinas music from re-i cords and tape-recorders is be- ■ ginning to be heard around! the stations. Usually, a carol

group formed “on the spur of the moment” goes around the McMurdo base accompanied by Father Christmas. At each station, the head cook next week will begin preparing Christmas dinner. Christmas Day is the only full day’s holiday at American bases. According to tradition, each head cook does his best to outdo his predecessor, as well as the efforts of the cooks at other bases. The dinners will include turkey, ham, sauces, vegetables, pies, ice cream, fruit, nuts, and garnishings. The only sports fixture will be a gridiron football match between Navy men and scientists at Byrd Station. At Christchurch airport Christmas dinner will be served in both messes for servicemen and their families.