Christmas on Mars

This is a fictional account of what the first celebration of Christmas on Mars might be like. 

In the crimson dawn of Mars’s fourth Christmas since the arrival of the human settlers, the dome of Elonia Colony shimmered with the light of solar reflectors. 

Beneath the transparent canopy, the settlers bustled about in a blend of holiday preparation and daily survival tasks, a true testament to their resilience and their desire to preserve traditions, even millions of kilometres from Earth.

The settlement was a mosaic of habitats, laboratories, and communal spaces, interconnected by pressurised walkways. 

At the heart of it all was the Unity Atrium, the colony’s central hub. This year, it would host the first-ever Mars Christmas Festival. 

A makeshift tree, basically a skeletal framework of printed metal adorned with LED strands and improvised ornaments crafted from Martian regolith—stood proudly at the centre.

Preparations had begun several weeks earlier, spearheaded by Dr. Aisha Malik, the colony’s botanist. Though natural greenery was sparse, she had cultivated a small crop of Earth-origin pine saplings in the colony’s greenhouse. 

One sapling, lovingly nurtured, stood as a living symbol of perseverance. While too fragile to be the festival’s centrepiece, it was placed in a protective glass case nearby, a beacon of hope.

For Commander Nathan Reyes, Christmas was an opportunity to reinforce unity. “Mars challenges us every day,” he had said during the planning meeting, “but we’re here because of humanity’s determination to thrive. This festival isn’t just about Christmas; it’s about celebrating life, together.”

The day began with a communal breakfast in the Atrium. The aroma of Martian-grown potato hash and lab-cultured sausages wafted through the air, complemented by a special treat: powdered eggnog, carefully rationed from Earth supplies. The settlers gathered at long tables, sharing stories of Christmases past and their dreams for the future of the colony.

Later, the colony’s children performed a play they had written themselves, titled Santa’s Martian Adventure. In it, Santa faced the challenge of delivering presents to a colony without chimneys. The solution, of course, was a sleigh powered by solar sails and a rover guided by a team of robotic “reindeer.” Laughter echoed as the children, dressed in cobbled-together costumes, brought their imaginative tale to life.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the Martian sky in shades of pink and orange, the settlers gathered for the lighting of the Christmas tree. Commander Reyes gave a short speech, reflecting on their shared journey. “We’ve turned a barren world into a home,” he said. “And tonight, as we light this tree, let it remind us of the light we bring to Mars and to each other.”

The tree’s LED lights flickered on, casting a warm glow that contrasted beautifully with the icy landscape beyond the dome. Carol singing followed, led by Dr. Malik, whose rich alto voice carried a timeless melody. The colonists joined in, their voices melding into one as they sang classics like Silent Night and O Come, All Ye Faithful. The sound travelled through the Atrium, uniting the settlers in a shared moment of peace.

The festivities concluded with a special treat: packets of chocolate, a rare commodity carefully preserved for the occasion. Families and friends gathered in small groups, savouring the sweetness while gazing out at the stars. Earth was visible in the distance, a tiny blue dot reminding them of where they had come from and what they hoped to achieve.

As the night deepened, the settlers retired to their habitats, carrying with them the warmth of the celebration. On Mars, Christmas was more than a holiday; it was a testament to human spirit, a reminder that even on a distant world, traditions could thrive, and joy could flourish.