The pace of life always quickens as Christmas draws near. To-do lists grow longer and days grow shorter, and the spirit of the season is often lost amid the flurry of activity that marks a Vineyard December.

Chilmarkers greeted Santa at Station Menemsha, Gingerbread houses received proper permits for construction at the farmers' market, Islanders ventured to downtown Edgartown to hear carols sung by the Island Community Chorus, and buildings and beaches were wrapped in garland and ornaments.

The holidays are here.