A crescent moon hung in the inky December sky this week surrounded by twinkling winter constellations.

Star gazing at night has been spectacular this month in the still, frigid air, the ground sparkling with frost. On a recent morning, early risers were treated to a dusting of ocean-effect snow that gave a light coating to farm fields, roads and car windshields. Then by lunchtime the magic was gone.

The Geminids meteor shower is streak of beauty, even through the glass panes of the kitchen door when most of the Island is silent and asleep.

The winter solstice is next week.

Daylight is in short supply at this time of year and something to savor as the sun climbs over a bare, twiggy eastern treeline set against a lavender sky. Then all too soon it sinks into a western horizon brushed in soft shades of gray and tangerine.

Soon it will be Christmas.