Since today is Christmas Eve, we made sure to decorate the Public Affairs Lounge for the holidays. Lieutenant Tessa Kensington, Ensign Cassie Queen, and Crewman Sonya Rose did most of the work. They chose a log cabin design for our holowalls, they set up lights and colorful decor, they baked cookies and cupcakes for anyone who visits tonight and tomorrow, and they made a normally drab and neutral room feel festive and welcoming.
I am particularly impressed by the two large-scale nutcracker statues they managed to "smuggle" aboard. I don't know where they found those guys, but they definitely add a cheerful feeling to the Christmas decor.
Here's another angle of the room, looking to starboard. You'll notice our new couches in the center of the lounge, and the simple, yet festive decorations on the tree. Cupcakes and bottled beverages are served on the far counter.
This photo shows the lounge view to port. Lights and streamers adorn every wall. The temporary room dividers, upon which the six stockings are hung, block out the large viewscreen on the center of the interior wall. Colorful green and red rugs were placed under all nine of our tables.
Cookies and other pastries are available on the portside counter.
This photo shows a wider view to port. Notice the new automatic blinds over our exterior windows? You can see a few more of the gifts near the tree as well. Yes, those are real gifts, and not just empty wrapped boxes. Our staff, and a group of friends, will be opening them during a small party, later tomorrow.
In fact, I've heard that many lounges, departments, and restaurants aboard-ship are hosting holiday gatherings. Christmas is very popular aboard the USS Enterprise-D!
-Lieutenant Sam Archer