The Lodge Chrismoose

It's that jolly time of year once again...Chrismoose season. I wish I knew the history of the tradition - all I know is that once a summer, the island celebrates cameraderie and friendship, with long tables of food and perhaps some friendly competition. (In searching around the internet about 'Chrismoose,' I discovered this "Moose Nativity" scene, which was too surreal not to share with everyone.)


Yesterday was Chrismoose for Rock Harbor Concessions, which any walk around their dorm or rec hall would have told you: red ribbons, lights, and twinkling golden stars everywhere. It was quite festive. We met up behind the Employee Dining Room, near the Guest House, at eight pm. There was quite a showing; besides Justin, who's off island, I believe every other NPS Snug Harbor resident was there, and almost all of the concessions employees. There was a long table of smoked, barbecued, and sausaged meats, coleslaw, and macaroni salad. There were Christmas sweaters. There was cake with tiny sugar Santa heads on top. There were coolers full of sparkling apple juice and tiny glass Coke bottles.

Before dessert, we all joined in a rousing chorus of Christmas carols, led by Donna and Sam. This was probably my favorite part of the evening. When else in my life do I get to belt out "Deck the Halls" and "Jingle Bells" on a wooded island in the middle of July, surrounded by people who are from everywhere from Michigan to Alabama, Jamaica to Turkey, China to Russia? Our timing was a little off, our notes were a wee bit creative, but it was kind of something spectacular.

The night ended with a three-legged race using old potato sacks (or perhaps some other kind of sack; you know, I've never actually seen potatoes come in a sack like that) and the traditional canoe race, which had previously been postponed about four times, and finally happened last night. Whoever won the three-legged race was obscured by an epic two-team spill onto the dirt road, but the canoe race was clearly and proudly won by our very own Pete and Casey. They paddled in, an intimidating duo of speed, several canoe lengths ahead of the second place canoe (Jack and Phil from the Lodge.)

It was a chilly night, thick with swarms of mosquitos, but the laughter in our hearts kept us warm and...bug-free. Well, maybe that was the bug spray.

In just a few days, we'll all be gathering at Mott Island for the NPS Chrismoose. The celebration never ends!