We are officially two weeks away from the end of 2015, and I still don’t have a Christmas tree. If the weather does not have you excited for the holidays, then all the bustle and activities this week should get you in the holiday spirit. Unless of course you celebrate Hanukkah, in which case you’re done and you have no need of any more holiday spirit. Here’s what I’m looking forward to, as I can’t seem to get it together to shop or decorate: seeing friends and family. That’s it. I want to get caught up on all the little things that happened to them this year and maybe watch a movie or two.
Important reminder! Chilmark Chocolates’ last day will be this Friday, Dec. 18. They are open 11:30 to 4:30 today and tomorrow. They will then be closed until Feb. 3, 2016. Next year! So stock up now, and remember everyone on your Christmas list. If your family is anything like mine, they get a little touchy when I don’t remember their Chilmark Chocolates.
The book group will be meeting at the library tonight at 5 pm to discuss “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen. The library will host an ugly sweater holiday party on Saturday. There will be craft making of wrapping paper and cards as well. Festivities start at 11am. Feel free to stop by at any time.
Joan LeLacheur will be holding an open studio on Dec. 19 from 10 am to 5 pm. She will have wampum jewelry: bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. There will also be beautiful art cards by Susan Shea for sale.
There are so many parties this weekend! The Pathways Holiday Party will be on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 7 to 9 pm. There will be a sing-along music jam, Christmas carols, dancing, cake, and champagne. People are encouraged to wear their best Christmas sweaters.
Happy birthday to Claus Smith, who turns 8 on Sunday! Have a great day, Claus.
This Sunday at the Yoga Barn, to celebrate the solstice, there will be a sun salutation relay: 108 sun salutations. This event is free, and kids are welcome. It will be held from 8 to 10 am. Start the winter off right! Later that day at 4 the West Tisbury Congregational Church will hold a Christmas concert at the church. There is a suggested donation of $15. There are two good things you can do to get yourself feeling good about the holidays and winter that don’t involve shopping.
There’s a beautiful new baby boy in Aquinnah. Jamie and Woody Vanderhoop welcomed their third child into the world last Thursday night at 8:30 pm. He was 8 pounds, 10 ounces, and he is gorgeous! He joins his older brothers, Sowanahsh and Kuhpay. There was no name for the little one as of press time. Congratulations to the whole family.
Yossi Monahan turned 10 last Wednesday and was surprised by his family with a surprise party with his best friends at Jim Wallen’s house. Yossi said it was great, and that it was a complete surprise to him. He obviously had a wonderful time, as his face lit up when he talked about it.
Speaking of Jim Wallen, he recently got back from an eight-day boat trip to Antigua with his two sons, Nich and Zach. While in Antigua they visited with Leah Bassett, who is there for the winter. Jim left this week for another adventure; he’s off to Australia, Tasmania, and some other exotic locales. He will return to Aquinnah sometime in February (smart man!). He promises to post updates and highlights on Facebook, which is always a mixed blessing for those of us who are stuck here.