The snow did not last for the week as expected for presenting a white Christmas but it was nice for the children while it lasted. There were snowmen, sledding, snow balls all around and we are now expecting another storm this week.

The town of Aquinnah is decorated in Christmas cheer with lights on the town hall and on the fire station. Santa will still arrive via fire truck and pass out gifts for all of the young ones in town.

Thank you to the education department of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) as they held an outdoor, socially-distanced gift giving on Saturday with culturally appropriate gifts for the youth of our tribe. A huge thank you to education coordinator Catherine Hall assisted by her son Noah, as well as by her assistants Marissa Lopenzo, Jade Maak, Adahy Gonsalves and Beth Kaeka. They provided an outstanding assortment for each child and their family to share, along with lots of good cheer.

Community Baptist Church of Gay Head will have an outdoor bonfire on Christmas Eve at 5 p.m. on the church grounds with a candlelight worship service. Soup, beverages and cookies will be served.

Congratulations and all the best to Stephen Hutchinson and Gabriella Camillieri who eloped on Dec. 10. Their wedding was performed by Justice of Peace Merrily Fenner and shared with their canine companion Kora as their dog of honor. They were married outdoors at the home of a friend on Prospect Hill in Chilmark overlooking the north shore, on a windy, brisk but beautiful day.

Kristina Ann Kestenbaum Williams Hook Leslie was the hostess for a Hanukkah dinner at her home, serving the usual Aquinnah fare: venison chili, corn bread, homemade pies and a few lively libations. Her guests included newlyweds Carole Ann Vandal and Rohan Hillman, as well as Leigh Vanderhoop. Of course, a good time was had by all.

Jon, Amy and Zach Macey shared their Hanukkah observation with Paul, Theresa and Noah Manning as well as yours truly.

It is a very sad time of the year for many families near and far. My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Elaine Marchant Ciancio, a schoolmate at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. She is survived by her beloved husband Michael Ciancio and their daughters Marilyn and Jocelyn and their extended families.

My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Patricia Niemiec Duncan who passed away recently on the Cape. She was a schoolmate at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. Trisha spent most of her time in Colorado where she raised her family, eventually returning to the Vineyard in her retirement.

My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of E. Malcolm Dunkley, M.D., long time anesthesiologist at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. He was always a pleasure to work with and to attend meetings with. He was always quiet, but with a wonderful sense of humor.

And it is a very sad time across the Vineyard for those involved in and with the motor vehicle accident on Saturday evening. Condolences to the family of Emma Hall.

May you all have a very Merry Christmas. In this year of overwhelming uncertainty and isolation, we look forward to a much happier and peaceful new year.

Happy 60th anniversary wishes to Edson and Norma Rodgers as they celebrate their special day on Dec. 26.

Happy Birthday wishes this week to William Kestenbaum and Naushon Vanderhoop on Dec. 26; Myles Xaysana Vanderhoop will celebrate his first birthday on Dec. 27; Sonya Lima parties on Dec. 28; Kara Cawley Riemer will observe her special day on Dec. 29, sharing the day with George Davis and Asa Vought.