We have had a month of roller coaster temperatures, and some almost broke records. We wear light shirts one day and then sweatshirts the next, and the wind has kept us a little cooler. Remember when sleds and skates were the best presents at Christmas? Now it is skateboards. Times and weather sure are changing.

Happy Birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Rosalia Apaza Pillco, Shamere Coke and Hudson Lowry who all celebrated on Dec. 18; Asaph Braz and John Lynch on Dec. 19; Kaua Abreu on Dec. 20; Emanuelly Assis and John Moriarty on Dec. 21; Griffin Buehler on Dec. 22; and to Caleb Miller who celebrates on Dec. 24.

Congratulations to Zack and Ellen Waller on the birth of their first child. Katherine Elizabeth Waller was born Dec. 14 at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in England, weighing 6 pounds. Katherine is the granddaughter of Pat and Steven Waller.

I was mad at myself and relieved that I had jumped ahead a week when I reported it was Christmas Eve in my last article. I still had shopping and wrapping to do and was very happy to learn I had one more week.

The Christmas parties are happening but are smaller this year. We had ours this weekend but we did it by department. We have almost 100 employees so we are keeping safe. We had fun at Patty’s house. With Brazilian food from The Golden Bull and Soigne, we were all very happy. It was nice to visit without worrying if we had something to do.

The Edgartown School is hiring substitute teachers! We are seeking enthusiastic, caring and hardworking individuals with a passion for serving children. The pay is $120 per day. A high school diploma is required. For more information, call Pam Alwardt at 508-627-3316, ext. 400.

I close my article every week with “keep the home candles burning” because as a child, I remember my parents putting a white light in the window on the right side of the sidewalk to guide my brothers home safe from the service. I still burn one in the window year-round as there are many men and women who are still serving our country to keep us safe. I have also included in my hopes all the essential workers who, for the past few years, have put their lives on the line for us. I send out a big thank you and hope you all return home soon and safely.

Again, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Stay safe and see you in the new year.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.