The Holiday Tea at the Community Center last week was a nice gathering of Chappy neighbors and friends. An abundant variety of cookies, scones and tea sandwiches adorned a long table and many cups of hot tea were poured. Piano music filled the air. Sidney Morris relaxed with a book by the fire as others gathered around small tables to catch up with friends. All together a festive and happy gathering on Chappy.

The next event at the Community Center will be the traditional dinner on Christmas Eve from 6 to 8 p.m. Lynn tells me she is looking for individuals to sign up to bring a turkey and a ham as well as various side-dishes. She asks that you call her at the office at 508-627-8222 if you are interested in cooking for the evening gathering.

The Mytoi illumination by the Trustees was another special event last weekend. A small fire welcomed guests and snacks and hot drinks were offered. Luminaries lit the winding path through the garden and lights glowed on bushes and trees along the way. The bridge across the small pond was all lit up, light reflecting off the water and globe-shaped paper lanterns brightened the covered bench at the top of the hill. They had well over a hundred people walk through the garden on Saturday night alone, many of whom ventured over from the Big Island for the evening.

My family spent a recent morning searching for the perfect Christmas tree from the yard and gathering holly and winterberry to make swag for our front door. We have lights on the front porch and the garage but only those who venture down our dead-end dirt road will enjoy them.

There are other nicely-lit spots along Chappaquiddick Road this year. Just off the ferry, you are greeted by Bill and Joanne Brine’s Christmas-tree-shaped display on Caleb Pond. Then Joe and Claudia Currier, first-time year-rounders on Chappy, have a yard that is spectacularly lit with a mix of colored and white lights. A little further on down, Geoff Kontje and Norma Costain have their annual display of white lights adorning their wave-shaped fence line. It is always cheerful to see the lights on in these dark days of winter; I wish it was tradition to leave them up until springtime.

I think Joanne Gosser and Woody Filley’s home may take the prize for best-decorated on Chappy. At a recent holiday party, their living room shimmered with lights, ornaments and garlands thoughtfully and tastefully displayed. Their yard was bright with many strands of lights. Woody sported his dad’s crushed-velvet dark green jacket and Joanne complimented him in a matching green lace dress. Their home felt like something out of a storybook, filled with such Christmas warmth and cheer.

Special birthday wishes to Chappaquiddicker Lucy Leopold. She shares the day with our daughter, Juna, so it is an easy one to remember.

Looking ahead to after the holidays, Elizabeth Whelan is organizing free evenings of drawing and painting at the Community Center. Elizabeth will be setting up two still-life arrangements, one simpler and one more complex and all are welcome to come sketch or paint. It is not a class, but Elizabeth will be happy to answer questions or provide help when asked. Please bring your own materials. Coffee and snacks will be provided. The Art Nights are every other Thursday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., and the next class will be Jan. 10.

Merry Christmas and happy new year to all. I’ll write again in the New Year but, in the meantime, please send any thoughts or news to me at slipawayfarm@gmail.com.