ISS crew send Christmas greetings from space

NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore and Terry Virts (@AstroTerry) have sent a merry Christmas message back to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS).

In the video, Wilmore said that they planned to take some time on the big day to reflect on the origins of Christmas, just as they would on Earth.

Christmas stockings can be seen hanging in the background and Wilmore said that they would be exchanging gifts to celebrate the holiday. An extra festive touch was provided by the small christmas tree floating in zero gravity in front of the two crew members during the message.

Virts then took the mic to say:

"It's such an honour and it's so much fun to celebrate Christmas up here. This is definitely going to be a Christmas that we'll remember".

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He signed off with:

"Have fun with your family, enjoy the day and merry Christmas!"

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Mission commander Wilmore is due to return from space in March 2015, while flight engineer Virts is set to stay on the ISS until May.

The ISS crew recently sent a similar greeting back to Earth for Thanksgiving.