The space agency shared a video featuring Williams, Wilmore, and their fellow astronauts aboard the ISS just days before Christmas.
Yet, one particular aspect of the video left social media users puzzled.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Suni and Butch’s stay on the ISS has significantly exceeded its original timeline.
The pair departed from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on June 5 for what was intended to be an eight-day mission.
Unfortunately, as the Boeing Starliner Calypso neared the ISS, it experienced thruster malfunctions and encountered five helium leaks.
These technical difficulties led NASA to conclude that returning on the capsule was unsafe, prompting the capsule to return to Earth while Williams and Wilmore remained on the station.
Their return to Earth is now anticipated for March 2025, assuming all goes according to plan.
On Twitter, many noted the astronauts were only slated to be on the station for a short period, and questioned the presence of Christmas decorations and hats.
One user asked, “How did they Christmas stuff?”
Another wondered, “Did they take Santa hats with them before they launched in September or did they knit them while they are there?”
A third questioned, “Who delivered the Christmas hats and decorations? So you thought far enough in advance to pack them when extra space in the capsule is at a very high premium.”
The curiosity was addressed by commander Nick Hague, who offered a simple explanation.
He tweeted: “There’s no last-minute dash to the mall to get gifts on the Space Station. A team of elves had to pack up these gifts 6 months ago.”
For those still puzzled, others clarified that the crew routinely receives supplies from Earth.
To address another common query, sending astronauts back in cargo ships, which are not designed for human travel, is not advisable, despite the desire to bring them home.
Nonetheless, it appears the crew was able to celebrate the holiday season aboard the ISS. Celebrating Christmas in space is certainly a unique experience not many can claim!