'You brought...': Astronaut Sunita Williams wears Santa hat and celebrates Christmas in space, video sparks debate

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore celebrated Christmas aboard the International Space Station (ISS), bringing festive cheer despite their unexpectedly prolonged stay. A video shared by NASA showed Williams in a red t-shirt, joined by her colleagues wearing Santa hats, sparking curiosity and conspiracy theories on social media.

The video prompted users to question how the astronauts had Christmas decorations on what was originally an eight-day mission. One user asked, “You brought Christmas decorations into space months ago?” while another added, “Who delivered the Christmas hats and decorations? Extra space in the capsule is at a premium.”

To everyone on Earth, Merry Christmas from our @NASA_Astronauts aboard the International @Space_Station. pic.twitter.com/GoOZjXJYLP

— NASA (@NASA) December 23, 2024

Williams and her fellow astronauts have been on the ISS since June due to an unexpected malfunction in the Starliner spacecraft, which delayed their return. Initially planned for February 2024, their homecoming has now been postponed to March.

NASA, however, addressed these speculations. The space agency explained to the New York Post that the festive items, including Santa hats, a Christmas tree, and presents, were delivered to the ISS in November as part of a three-ton SpaceX shipment. The delivery included holiday meals such as ham, turkey, potatoes, vegetables, pies, and cookies. Alongside these, scientific equipment and mission-specific items were also sent. NASA clarified that the ISS receives resupply shipments multiple times a year to ensure the crew’s needs are met.

In a separate video, NASA shared the astronauts' holiday greetings and plans. Williams expressed her excitement, saying, "Welcome to the International Space Station as we get ready for the Christmas holidays. It’s a great time up here, we get to spend it with all of our 'family' on the International Space Station. There are seven of us, and we’ll enjoy each other’s company.”

She also reflected on the spirit of the season, saying, “One of the best things I like about Christmas is the preparation, the anticipation, and everyone coming together to make it special.”

Despite their extended mission, the astronauts remain optimistic, celebrating the joy and togetherness of the holiday season in space.