One shopkeeper says she senses more enthusiasm and gaiety among shoppers, and a local innkeeper appreciates the way people don’t seem to be rushing through the holidays.

For many people, Christmas on the Vineyard wouldn’t be the same without the sound of bells and hooves making their way past downtown shops. Fred Fisher’s wooden hay wagon and two Belgian draft horses are a familiar sight.
On Sunday, Dec. 20, the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury will hold its annual holiday concert. This year, the rarely heard Christmas Story by the 17th century German composer, Heinrich Schütz, will be performed. But wait, there’s more.
The church choir will be joined by the newly-formed Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Orchestra with trumpets, trombones, woodwind and strings to help make spirits soar.