The season is upon us. How did that happen so fast?

It is always fabulous to see returning kids, often returning with their new families. Lyrae Littlefield had a birthday and is bringing her now one-year-old baby, Jemma, to visit Island family and friends. Husband and dad Dan Edelbach is on board for the trip from New Jersey.

Some of our home grown are traveling in the opposite direction. Grace Burton-Sundman had a whirlwind pre-Christmas visit here with family. She returned to Rotterdam last week. Grace announced that she now is officially a citizen of the Netherlands. I am hoping to meet her fiancé on her next visit here.

Noel Macy made a quick trip from Southie. He will return this weekend. Noel was entranced with the great job his artistic mom, Lowely Finnerty, did with decorating their home. Lowely has such a good eye for decor. Another dear friend who spent some time in Florida has returned for her first Christmas on Island in a few years. Suzanne Roberge found Florida a poor substitute for New England ambiance. She has settled in with her cat and her elegant skin care products. If you would like to catch up with Suzanne, visit her in her pop-up shop capacity at Driftwood jewelers in Oak Bluffs this Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.

Meanwhile, Celso Silva sends regards from his home in Brazil. Celso served at our Citgo station for many years. He asked me to say hello to Joe McCarthy and all his Island friends.

Kathy Tarantola, renowned photographer who once spent a summer crisscrossing the U.S.A. with my friend, Teri Praskach, spent a week at Turkey Cove Landing working on her art. Kathy needed to get back to Boston for the many projects she has there but promised to return soon. All roads lead to Martha’s Vineyard.

Jacqueline Beauvais is calling for a Festivus party. I heartily agree. Festivus was introduced by George Costanza in a Seinfeld episode in 1997. The custom has had a good 20 years to percolate. Jacqueline suggests Mike Sawyer and JB Blau have a coin toss to see if the party is held at the Barn or the Loft. Festivus is usually held on Dec. 23 but any convenient day is doable. We just need an aluminum pole, a list of grievances and to practice our feats of strength. I’m ready.

I am most interested in attending a talk at our library at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 20. Our youngest ever Dukes County Commissioner-elect, Keith Chatinover, will have a Q and A addressing your concerns and ideas for Dukes County. Keith is 18. Carrying out his commitment to visit every town Keith actually went over to Cuttyhunk last week to speak to our small population there. This young man gets around.

The rain last weekend forced the cancellation of hayrides through our Main street. I hear they have been rescheduled for this Sunday. I’ll see you there.

Bruce MacNelly has his wondrous paintings on display at the Vineyard Playhouse on Church Street through Dec. 31. Stop by.

I had the most fun ever at a pop-up store graciously held at the Art Cliff Diner last Thursday. Michael Barnes revived Aboveground Records for the day. The Food Truck was serving outside, a DJ was spinning vinyl, all of our old friends–many of whom were customers at Rainbow’s End Records back in the day–had a blast going through stacks of long-playing albums and the increasingly rare 45s. People were stumbling out clutching treasures. I found 45s of Carly Simon, Willie Nelson, the Beach Boys–that one’s for you, Ralph Packer! In albums, I scored Jackson Browne, Phil Collins, Janis Ian, Judy Collins and Gary Wright. We had so much fun! Michael promises to do it again.

Shoutout to some of our faves who cannot be with us this season: Elaine Bart and Doug Peckham and Barbara Pope Pecham among them.

Continued get well wishes to Sandie Corr-Dolby for her sprained ankle and Martha Dunham recovering from hand surgery. Martha will have her cast on for a while.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along many friends on Dec.17. Some of the partiers were Lyrae Littlefield, Stephanie Burke and my now five-year-old friend Mason Moa. Dec. 18 was shared by Marc O’Donnell and Keith Richards.

And on next Tuesday morning, in your homes, in your hearts, and under your trees may you all find peace.

Vineyard Haven town news can be sent to iklean@yahoo.com.