This time of year always pulls us in two directions, doesn’t it? The waning light and cold air, the quiet woods and windswept beaches, seem to direct us inward. The world outside is so still and the night comes on so soon.

On the other hand, the holiday season yanks us out into the world. There are so many things to cook, to festoon, to buy. And it’s too easy to let that wave of busybody energy wash us right through the end of the year, often without much of a chance to reflect or to prepare for the long winter ahead.

In other words, this time of year can be a balsam-scented kind of overwhelming. Even the reminders to slow down and savor the season, wise and well-intentioned though they are, can start to feel like unwelcome directives. So I will not add to the chorus of people saying, enjoy every second. What’s the point? We will savor certain moments, and others we’ll just survive.

The full moon will be visible in the sky for more than 15 hours on Dec. 18, from Saturday evening through Sunday morning. It is the longest full moon night of the year, with the winter solstice just days later. Like all full moons, the one this month goes by many names, often referred to as the Cold Moon, the Moon Before Yule, or the Long Night Moon. Very good weekend for a nocturnal adventure, in other words.

Basketball season at the West Tisbury School is off to a strong start. Alas, now that Covid is ripping through the populace again, the administrators are asking that only family members attend games and that adult fans supervise younger fans in the wearing of masks and so on.

Have you been waking up a little earlier since the time change? If your children go to the West Tisbury School, don’t forget about Open Gym with Joe from 7:30 to 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. No sign up necessary. Your child can arrive and run around for a half-hour to get the blood flowing before the bell rings.

The Vineyard Artisans Holiday Fair on Saturday, Dec. 18 is their last festival of the year and it’s a great opportunity to score original handmade gifts. It’s happening from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Grange Hall.

I am excited that the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival has a new home upstairs at the Grange Hall. It is sure to bring nighttime life and energy into the town center. We used to attend the WIMP show there, so many years ago. And who else remembers going through the haunted house up there? It’s such a great space and I think it will be a popular venue for a much-loved Island institution.

After shopping the fair on Saturday, join the holiday party on the lawn at the West Tisbury Library. There will be live music by the Vineyard Classic Brass Band, hot mulled cider and outdoor heaters to keep everyone cozy. If it rains, the party gets moved to Sunday.

Happy birthday on Dec. 21 to Finn Martone, born on the longest night of the year. Fifteen years later, he is still staying up late doing creative things.