December is in full swing and with that comes a whole lot of good cheer. Friends are out and about with orange hats (it’s still deer season after all) jingle bells, mulled cider in hand and smiles on their faces as they pop in and out of local shops emerging with packages for friends and, perhaps, a candy cane for themselves.

After managing to make it all the way to mid-December before the cold seeped deep into his bones, Uncle Don Smith has hopped in his car with son Russell behind the wheel. He bid his farewells to family and friends he leaves here in wintry New England to migrate south with the birds and fish destined for Florida. Come spring he will return to take his spot perched above the head of the harbor and pass the time with his three other children, Jeanne (Smith) Taylor, Robin, Hollis and their children and grandchildren. He spends some time shooting the breeze with his great niece-in-law, that’s me, and has some stories I really should jot down one of these days. He can tell a real thriller about the good ol’ days of swordfishing and such. Jimmy Morgan, Louis, Bjarne and Debba Larsen among others would be pleased.

The school kids are wrapping up their week with a half day Friday eagerly ready to pounce on a full two weeks and then some of fun and frolic before returning to the grind on Jan. 6. Some are venturing to far away places and others are sticking close to home, but most of the Chilmark School kids are wrapping the week up with some caroling around town. If you were lucky enough to be near the center of town either in residence or just passing through, you, hopefully, had an opportunity to hear their happy little voices belting out tunes such as Jingle Bell Rock and Frosty the Snowman.

As I mention the kids walking around the center of town it prompts me to share a friendly reminder from our fire department safety officers. With the dark days upon us, folks often find themselves taking their pups for a stroll at twilight or even in full darkness, or perhaps an after work run or bike ride is your thing. Please, please remember to wear visible colors and something reflective. If you are sporting the black Lululemon tights and black Patagonia top none of us can see you on the side of the road. Safety comes first, so make yourself visible.

What is visible are the amazing light displays put up around town. The fire station was just adorned with lights which rival those strung around Marie and Louis Larsen’s fence. The center of town is filled with bright, happy joy including the reindeer at the bank. Margaret Maida’s house is well appointed and the front yard adorned with a mailbox to the North Pole. Julie Flanders and daughter Bella have all of the classic candles in the windows at the Stone House which is so inviting. It makes me think there must always be hot chocolate being sipped in front of a cozy fire. I know there isn’t because they’re running around tending to horses. Deb Hancock and Patrick Echlin have, once again, outdone themselves with the display at Hancock Real Estate. It’s a winter wonderland sleigh and all. Swing by and snap a photo some evening. It truly is picturesque.

I’ll backtrack to David Golart just once more because his sweater label and shop prompted a nice back and forth between me and Deb Hoxsie Lomas. She, too, had the same fond memories of not only his store but of carousing on Main street during her teen years. It was nice to have an opportunity to think about her folks MaryAnn and Russell Hoxsie. Again, another couple of fine folks who are missed in the community.

Santa visited the Chilmark kiddos Thursday evening at the CCC. The fire department plays host to a party steeped in town tradition. I’ll have more details next week so be sure to tune in.