As Christmas approaches, many people worldwide find joy and comfort at home, often cozying up with loved ones. However, this festive season, there is a unique group of individuals disconnecting from traditional celebrations to carry out scientific work in the heart of Antarctica, amidst a stunning backdrop of penguins, icebergs, and the harsh beauty of the southernmost continent. These devoted researchers, working with the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), personify the spirit of dedication and adventure that often accompanies Christmas in the wilds of Antarctica.
Derren Fox, a 52-year-old zoological field assistant stationed at Signy Island Research Station, located on one of the remote South Orkney Islands, is spending the holiday in a rather unconventional way. Originally hailing from Cornwall, he now lives on a yacht and embraces the challenges of his profession amidst nature’s most extreme conditions. On Christmas Day, Derren plans to traverse to Gourlay Peninsula on the island’s southeastern shore to monitor productivity within the chinstrap and Adelie penguin colonies. After conducting his vital work, he looks forward to enjoying sledging or some festive snowman-building with fellow researchers. The day will then culminate in a traditional Christmas meal, prepared by the station leader, and perhaps an enjoyable moment spent napping while watching a cheesy festive movie.
In a smaller but equally dedicated crew at the Signy station, Sarah Clark, the station leader, will take on the responsibility of orchestrating the festive dinner for her team of five. A resident of North Wales, Sarah acknowledges the station’s tradition of having the leader prepare Christmas meal. On Christmas morning, her team will delight in reading greetings from other Antarctic stations while enjoying a nice brunch. Sarah recognizes the importance of this time for the group, as they build camaraderie amid their specialized tasks—some heading out to survey penguins while she ensures the station remains operational and that the turkey and Nut roast meals are perfectly prepared. As the day concludes, they might engage in some games, including a round of Christmas-themed darts.
Meanwhile, on board the RRS Sir David Attenborough, Captain Will Whatley is in command of the vessel as it navigates the turbulent seas. His Christmas Day will be characterized by a blend of work and respite, as the day often provides a helpful break from their busy operational schedule. The modern technology allowing video calls means that crew members can connect with their families back home for a slice of festive cheer, contrasting life on board with the holidays as they’re traditionally celebrated elsewhere.
Dr. Nisha Mistry, the ship’s medical officer, plans to spend her first Christmas at sea doing her normal hospital checks in the morning, later engaging in her favorite activity—watching the breathtaking icebergs from outside. She embraces this unique holiday experience fully.
Further afield, Rowan Whittle, a palaeontologist from Cambridge, will be camping on King George Island with her research team over Christmas to hunt for fossils and study Antarctic seafloor ecosystems. They have a time-limited project that requires work even on the holiday, but they hope to manage a festive meal with their field rations if time permits.
In such diverse ways, these dedicated individuals exhibit the true spirit of Christmas: committing to science, companionship, and resilience. Their work amidst the breathtaking Antarctic landscape showcases not only their dedication but also paints a vivid picture of life beyond the comforts of home during one of the most celebrated times of the year.
