Traveling: it can be done as simply as stopping by the Chilmark Library and walking out with a heap of books from their book sale. With each turn of the page you can be instantly transported to places you have never been before. Their two for one sale begins Friday, Dec. 23, so just fifty cents for hardcover titles. After Jan. 3 it’s all free but Food Pantry donations are greatly appreciated in exchange for the thousands of pages you just might walk out with. After a bout of illness I’m glad to know Ebba Hierta is back behind the desk and welcoming patrons.

Welcome home to Stan Mercer, who did a little stint at Massachusetts General Hospital this past week. He’s settling in back at Menemsha Gate and the whole extended clan is doting on him, including Liz Oliver who was lucky enough to go retrieve him in Boston. Good news.

Phil and Sam Hollinger will make the journey this week to visit Phil’s folks Kathy Coe and Tom Hollinger in Connecticut. Kathy and I are message buddies which is the 21st century version of paper, pen, envelope and stamp pen pals. I love hearing from her and especially love my opportunities to give her a hug in person when she appears in town.

Rachel Glick, daughter of Holly and Larry, was married on Dec. 3 to Sam Krosnick in Boston. Rachel and Sam met three years ago, just prior to the Covid pandemic, and spent most of summer 2020 living and working remotely in Chilmark. In July of 2021, Sam proposed to Rachel on Lucy Vincent Beach. They are currently living in Bal Harbour, Fla. and look forward to returning to the Vineyard for an extended stay this summer.

College kids are reappearing on their family’s doorsteps this week, looking for laundry, home-cooked meals and quality hugs from parents and friends. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing with my own eyes that Graham Stearns made it through the first semester of his freshman year at Colgate successfully.

Tyler Shipway has been retrieved by his parents, grandparents and fluffy golden pup at Wentworth. Thea Keene has been retrieved from Northeastern and happily reunited with the family pups Kinta and Poppy.

Atlas Zack has returned home from Holy Cross only to realize younger brother Sam just might have had another growth spurt and, although he’s the oldest, Atlas may no longer be the tallest.

The Bernhard family — Ted, Jill, Lily, Charlotte and Kat — has brought love and light back to their Carroll Lane home for the holidays. The big city of Wellesley sent them packing for movies, games and wintry walks.

The lights have been on at the Ameen-Hoden house overlooking Turtle Pond. Nancy and Toby, along with their pups, must have snuck in for a little rest and relaxation from life in Bryn Mawr, Pa.

Folks on Menemsha Cross Road are giving the Gatchells in Oak Bluffs some stiff competition when it comes to Christmas lights. Marie and Danny Larsen’s yard is aglow at Beetlebung Corner, sharing their hope for peace on earth.

Across the corner at Beetlebung Farm, lights twinkling in the trees are reminiscent of a wintry starlit night. Just beyond, Kathy and Bill Smith’s is lit up, too.

Julie Flanders’ stone house, with candles in each window, makes me picture her and pup Zeb nestled inside, hot cocoa in hand, with Bing Crosby singing as they await Bella Thorpe’s return from University of Vermont.

A bit further down we have Margaret Maida’s winter wonderland that looks like a visit to the North Pole and Santa’s workshop. I think the only one who isn’t fond of her yard is great-grandson Henry Coutinho. Every child seems to have a year when they aren’t so thrilled with Santa and this seems to be Henry’s.

There are a few more pops of color and light as you head towards the intersection of North Road, including Natalie Poole’s and Kathie Carroll’s.

Although it’s not a Cross Road contender, the simplicity of the tree in the field at Blue Barque — courtesy of Kari, Brian and Bryce Cioffi — makes me smile each time I pass by after dark.

Little things like twinkling lights can bring such joy, especially when life can feel a bit complicated. Finding that perfect gift for someone doesn’t need to bring sleepless nights. Write them a note and tell them why they’re important to you and give them the gift of time together because that is truly what’s most precious. Happy holidays. Go forth and enjoy your people.