He entered the Community Center wearing his crisp red suit, his beard all combed and his glasses a bit steamed from the temperature change. With eager children surrounding him, he belted out a few ho, ho, hos and then progressed into song with the harmonious accompaniment of Ellen, Tauras and Kestutis Biskis. After a few roaring verses of Rudolph, Jingle Bells and Santa Clause is Coming to Town, the recipient of the first gift of Christmas was a show stopper. Wearing the tiny Santa suit once worn by her dad and Uncle Cody, not quite two-month-old Charlotte Lillian Coutinho made her way to the front of the room with her parents Izadora and Zach.

After Charlotte’s first big town debut, with many a photo snapped by grandmother Linda and great grandmother Margaret Maida, a steady stream of children received their gifts from Santa one-by-one with enough time to snap pictures documenting the exciting moment.

This year, photos with Santa got a big boost from Tracy Jones. She pulled out all the stops surrounding Santa’s comfy chair with a snowy, tree lit, gifts piled high back drop. To top it all off, she brought her photo printer and instantly rewarded children and families with framed photos of themselves with Santa. It was fast and furious for a while, but she managed to capture many. If you know she snapped your photo, but you didn’t walk out of the center with it in hand, they will be at the Menemsha Crossroad Station. You can stop by weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to grab them.

In addition to Santa, songs and photos, a few words of appreciation go out to the community for bringing sides, snacks and sweets to round out the pizza meal provided by the Chilmark Volunteer Firefighter’s Association. Big thanks also go out to those who were on set up and clean up duty including, to name a few: Robert Coutinho, Alan Porter, Kristie and Jon Mayhew, Manny Rose, David Norton, Travis Tack, Christina Colarusso, Marshall, Bradley, Brooks Carroll, Cory Medieros and Jesse Burton. A big thanks also goes out to Matt Tobin for sharing a tree to be adorned as a centerpiece for the evening.

Extra special thanks go out to Jonah Maidoff for his monumental role along with the association’s continued sponsorship. This is an annual tradition that reminds us why living in the town of Chilmark can be so very special. We friends, neighbors and acquaintances all come together for a common goal and revel in the success.

This week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, with kids off from school, allows us time to visit with family and friends, pop off for a much needed break from the norm, some time to fly that new drone, listen to music on a new wireless speaker, play a new board game (Catan anyone?), dress a new baby doll or ride a new bike. We all may want to hold off on trying the new clothes until the repercussions of what I refer to as food week wear off a little bit. Regardless of how you pass the time, take a moment to remember those who are no longer with us and reach out to those who are, but not nearby. Take a moment to feel grateful and spread those feelings.

With Christmas under our belts, pine needles all vacuumed up and paper burned in the wood stove, it is time to sort out the New Year’s resolutions and spend time with dear friends reflecting on days past and hopes for the future. Whether you toast with a glass of champagne at a glitzy party or stroll through the woods on a candlelit walk singing Auld Lang Syne at the top of your lungs may you experience the joy and kind spirit the New Year will bring.