The Christmas cheer has subsided and now New Year’s winks at us from around the next corner with its hats and noisemakers, bubbly and midnight kisses.

It is also the rebirth of the quiet time, not to mention the dark too. One look at the events calendar confirms this. Pity that potlucks are not included as they would surely beef up the listings, with flavor to boot.

But for those looking to fill the hours as the New Year draws nigh, Dec. 31 rings true all through the day. There is Chi Kung at 11:30 a.m. at Howe’s House, and a free soup and bread lunch for all ages at 11:45 a.m. at the West Tisbury Library. The Island Food Pantry is also open from 2 to 4 p.m. for those in need.

At 2:30 p.m. head over to the Ice Arena for a free public skate to celebrate the recent merger of the YMCA and the Ice Arena. And for anyone wanting to get started on a resolution to make friends with your inner computer geek, there is tech help at the West Tisbury Library at 3:30 p.m.

The traditional Harbor View Hotel party will go quiet this year as renovations are made to the grand dame of Edgartown. But fear not, the Wharf will continue to rock into the wee hours on Main street as will the Ritz in Oak Bluffs.

And although nearly all stores will be closed for New Year’s Day, nature is always open. Hunting season ends on Dec. 31, so humans can once again roam the woods without fear, any day of the week.

The ocean beckons too, as a nice dip need not be limited to the summer months, not when so many friends and neighbors will be taking a traditional New Year’s Day plunge to ring in 2019. State Beach and Lambert’s Cove are the traditional spots, but of course any frigid body of water will help set the heart on course for making this the year you realize that everything goes better with goosebumps.