As 2018 begins its journey to the end and the days begin to slowly get a bit longer, I share with you a few highlights that just might make your mind wander.

The smell of Christmas trees fills the breeze and pine needles litter living room floors.

Families gather to hang ornaments both passed on from generation to generation and others still sticky with glue and doused in glitter fresh from the library or school art project. At the Doyle/Stearns home, it was high schoolers Ava and Graham who led the charge. Parents Bret and Sarah looked on and marveled how quickly their children not only grew in height–Graham is now 15 and a staggering 6’1”–but in teamwork, composure and spirit.

School lets out Friday with an early ringing bell. Perhaps the teachers and administrators knew our youngest ones would be recovering from the excitement of Santa’s visit to town for the annual Chilmark Volunteer Firefighter’s Association Christmas Party. It all started a few nights ago when Santa’s helpers wrapped the gifts in record time. David Norton, Jeremy Bradshaw, Gary Robinson, Cody Coutinho, Chris Smith, Robert Coutinho, Linda Coutinho, Michele Mayhew, Katy Kurth, Carrie Fyler, Jennifer Wlodyka, Barbara Armstrong and Bradley Carroll: taking time out of your evening to lend a hand was truly appreciated.

Santa arrived, scooped up the gifts the CVFA provided and was transported to the CCC by fire truck since his herd of reindeer is resting up for their nearing journey. He belted out a whole bunch of jolly ho ho hos and passed out gifts to our youngest town residents. Many thanks to the Ruimerman/Weidner family for seeing that Santa’s invitations went out in timely fashion. Thanks to Warren Doty for playing a pivotal role in the success of the evening.

I’d like to sing the praises of Ellen Biskis who led our community carols. Her voice is always filled with such spirit. Thanks are bountiful for Pam Bunker who helped spread the word of the community potluck which was intertwined with Santa’s visit. Thank yous to all the folks that brought along tasty treats to line the tables and fill the bellies. And most of all, a heartfelt thank you goes out the members of the Chilmark Fire Department for continuing on with a tradition that has been a key part of making our town the tight-knit community that it is. Over half a century and going strong. Your sense of community and timeless tradition is most appreciated.

The Chilmark Community Church has been decorated in preparation for Christmas and the Christmas Eve service. Pam Goff reminds us that friends, family and neighbors are invited to attend a candlelight service of lessons and carols on Christmas eve at 5 p.m. You can enjoy the sublime beauty of music provided by guest harpist Sandra Bitterman-Attwood. The overhead lights will be dimmed as candlelight is passed from friend to friend. This is a powerful moment that truly provides an opportunity for self-reflection, remembrance and hope for the future.

Noise making at almost any sporting event used to be the sole responsibility of the fans but, in this day and age, booming speaker systems have nearly become the norm. When I watch videos of El and Wren Christy with their laced up Nike sneakers, running miles at a pace I could never imagine keeping up with, I have an inherent desire to clang cowbells. I don’t own cowbells. But, simply put, mittens don’t clap and these two are on fire and deserve a whole lot of noise to turn up the excitement.

The eighth graders earned two spots in the Boston Globe All-Star selection for state cross country. Wren was also awarded the title of Mayflower League MVP. Now that indoor track is in full swing, 16-year-old big brother Dash is taking some of the spotlight. He has already qualified for States in both the long jump and 55 meter hurdles. Those Christy kids all have great legs.

Michael Broderick and Mary McConneloug have been shredding the local scene, both in the woods and on the beach, in between performing household chores and spending quality family time. The Broderick family feels complete when these two are in town.

Before I stop writing so you can stop reading, I will share a few words from Louisa May Alcott:

From our happy home

Through the world we roam

One week in all the year,

Making winter spring

With the joy we bring

For Christmas-tide is here.

Rejoice, revel, sing and be merry.

Chilmark town news can be sent to squidrow@vineyard.net.