Dept. 56, the company that makes delightful Christmas villages, has introduced three Vineyard buildings this year. Whether or not you collect these villages, I thought many would be interested to know about them.

The Edgartown Light is an authentic piece with lights in the doorway and windows. The flashing red light is a beacon to steer boats into Edgartown harbor. It has a Christmas wreath and garland, very festive, and we plan to enjoy it year-round.

In 2001, the Martha’s Vineyard Museum and Rick Harrington created the Children’s Memorial Ceremony of Remembrance, held each summer at the Edgartown Light to memorialize children who have left us too soon. To date there are approximately 880 engraved stones at the base. This New England village lighthouse may hold meaning for these families, as well as homeowners and visitors.

The second Christmas building is called the Edgartown Boat Builder, an amazing replica of the Old Sculpin Gallery. It was owned by Manuel Swartz Roberts, a legend in his own time, greatly admired as a highly skilled boat builder. This historic building played a small part in the movie Jaws, and is now owned by the Vineyard Trust.

The third Vineyard building is a colorful Gingerbread Cottage, reminiscent of the Oak Bluffs cottages.

All are Vineyard keepsakes.

Happy holidays to everyone.

Carol and Dick Fligor

Edgartown