We have had our first snow of the season. There has been mixed reactions. First, it is almost Christmas and it puts you in the holiday mood. Second, it is cold and it gets dirty and slippery so when does it go away? As I have said so many times, this is New England, expect the unexpected. And we live in snow country, so we can deal with it. We could live in the South where they had snow and were slipping and sliding with three snowflakes on the ground. I know I exaggerated, but you know what I mean. And now it is supposed to be in the 50’s next week.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Anthony Alves-Vieira Quinten Cabral, and Shamere Coke who all celebrated Dec. 18; Cooper Avakian, Abigail Gilley and John Lynch, Dec. 19; Kaua Abreu, Christian Ciancio and Fallon McAleavey, Dec. 20; and to Samantha Folts, and Bennett Joyce who celebrated their day Dec. 22.

Welcome home to Bob and Gail Avakian, who traveled with their son Derek and daughter in law Brooke, and their children Cooper and Lily to Disney. It looked like a great trip for all and kept everyone on their toes. I loved looking at all the pictures of both big and little kids on the rides, and the rest of their adventures. There were lots of memories made in a short week.

Mark your calendars now, because the Federated Church Free Lasagna Luncheons are coming soon. The first luncheon of the New Year will be on Sunday, Jan. 7, from 12:30 to 2 p.m., at 45 South Summer Street. The luncheons will continue every Sunday through March 25. The meal consists of a salad, a serving of lasagna, garlic bread, beverage, and something for dessert. For more information, call 508-627-4421 or email admin@federatedchurchmv.org.

Well, the hustling is on. There is Christmas wrap in the living room, bows in the bedroom and tape who knows where. People are baking and making their specialties for gifts. Ellen and I were away on Sunday to start and finish shopping. Looking at the lines at the boat we were not the only ones. Wareham Crossing was crowded but not out of control and we hit a lot of stores. When we got home we were happy with what we accomplished but I had to explain it to my feet and wallet. It was worth it though; we had fun and we shopped well together.

I was talking to a customer the other day and she mentioned she made her grandmother’s fudge and when she took a bite it took her back to her grandmother’s kitchen and back into that time of her life. Isn’t it funny how our minds do that and you can almost taste the exact taste you had all those years ago. My mother made the famous fruitcake and my parents and I would go into the city of Fall River, and there was a shop on the top of Main street that sold all the candy fruits you needed for your bread. I remember the smell as you opened the door and seeing all the barrels with all the different candied fruits in them and the flour that kept the candy from sticking together. As a kid I wanted to taste it all but of course I was not allowed. The store also had the dates and figs, and any kind of nut you wanted. My Mom was very particular in what she wanted and my Dad and I were willing to try it all. We then went home and the bake-a-thon was on.

Now people are making their own traditions and their own memories. Of course we think ours are the best but we know that the new memories will be just as good.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. May you have time to spend with your family or friends. Please remember your senior friends, and those who have lost loved ones this year. Give them a call and let them know you are thinking about them it means so much and it only takes a minute.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning. Merry Christmas.

Send Edgartown news to kathleencase@comcast.net.