On Wednesday the sky turned delight fully gray with a hint of chill in the air. Not cold enough for snow, not quite, but enough to dream for a moment about a white Christmas, still the most asked for gift on just about any wish list. It is refreshing, this annual appeal to the natural world to wrap the world in a coat of white. Devices, Facebook, technology of all sorts is forgotten, if just for a moment, as heads turn toward the sky this time of year.

It’s enough to wish for days gone by, fueled by nostalgia, the yule log and Grandma’s Russian tea cakes. Christmas does this so effortlessly, turning back the clocks so the old become young again, remembering their first holidays, placing by the fire cookies for Santa and carrots for his reindeer. The sleepless eve with dreams of hoofbeats on the rooftop is also easily recalled. So too a parent’s first Christmas morning with a new baby, a tricycle given to a toddler, the first sleigh ride of the year and the family photo by the fireplace, often awkward in the moment but treasured later on.

This waxing while still two weeks away is prompted by a Vineyard tradition, 30 years running. Christmas in Edgartown arrives this weekend, full of events of every kind, many of which raise money for Island charities.

On Friday night at 6 p.m. the Edgartown Light was lit for the season. On Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. the annual parade will wind its merry way down Main street.

Consider it three days of holiday fuel — Minnesingers concerts, horse and carriage rides, chowder contests, elves fairs, holiday music and free movies, local artisans, gallery openings and open houses all over town — to propel you through the season full of hope, cheer and goodwill toward all.

For a complete list of events check out the Gazette calendar or visit edgartownboardoftrade.com.

This article has been updated to reflect the correct time for the lighting of the lighthouse. It is at 6 p.m., not 6:30.