Now that Thanksgiving is over, the turkey consumed and the leftovers calling, Black Friday delivering its wounds, both financial and emotional, and November looking for an early exit, it is time to turn one’s attention to December and the coming holiday Christmas season.

Christmas arrives many places in many different ways but on the Island a good place to start is Oak Bluffs on Wednesday, Nov. 28 with the annual town tree lighting ceremony in Post Office Square.

The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. with caroling helped along by the Vineyard Classic Brass Band, free hot chocolate and antlers (for kids and kids at heart), more music by Brian Weiland and Company, and of course the lighting of the tree.

Santa himself has said he will take time out from a busy schedule up north preparing for his big day by making an appearance. His sleigh is still in the garage while modifications are being made (think James Bond’s formidable mechanic Q) and so the rosy red cheeked wonder will arrive by fire truck, thanks to the Oak Bluffs firemen who know how to make an entrance sparkle with horns and lights and revelry.

Oh, and don’t forget the season is supposed to be one of giving and getting, and of taking care of the least among us. With this in mind, everyone is asked to bring food donations for the Island Food Pantry.