If you’re like a huge number of people in this country this past weekend, you’ve been doing one of two things: shopping for the holidays or going to “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Some of you have perhaps done both of these things, repeatedly. If so, I hope you have enjoyed both! For those of you who have managed to remain calm and level-headed during this holiday season, shopping ahead of time, taking a slower pace, and relishing the season, you have my sincere respect. Every year I say I’m going to be organized, decorate and shop early, and slow down and enjoy the season. Yeah, that pretty much didn’t happen this year either. As I write this, I’m looking at four days to shop, plan, cook, and organize. That seems to be my annual tradition.
We ventured off to the mainland today for a shopping spree at the mall. I am not a shopper, and I especially hate malls. I get overwhelmed by the amount of stuff in these stores, and it fries my brain. I have to know exactly what I’m going for and where I’m going, which was not really the case today. As a result, I was only mildly successful. The kids did well, spending pretty much all of their money within an hour or so. I’m jealous of their abilities to go into the craziness, find something that their loved ones want, purchase it, and come out unscathed. I walk around like I’m in an episode of “Walking Dead” trying not to get taken out by zombies. As a result, I expect you’ll see me wandering around the Vineyard on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday doing my last-minute shopping! I’m trying not to panic.
If you’re looking for something to do on Dec. 30, head on over to the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse for “Farewell ’15!” jazz cabaret at 7:30 with vocals by Anna Yukevich and piano by Jeremy Berlin. Tickets are $20.
Hospitality Homes is ready to go for winter 2016! The shelter program, organized by several of the Island’s churches, will begin opening church doors to shelter the Island’s homeless for the winter. The program is set to run from Jan. 1, 2016, through March 31, 2016, and shelter will be offered from 7 pm until 7 am at different churches each night. For more information or to volunteer, contact St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church at 508-627-5330, Edgartown Federated Church at 508-627-4662, Grace Episcopal Church at 508-693-0332, or the West Tisbury Congregational Church at 508-693-2842. Thank you to the local clergy who devised this plan to help those in need.
Happy birthday to Brenda Perry, who celebrated her day on Dec. 21; Fran Agnoli, whose special day was on Dec. 22; and to Kelly Hess, who celebrated her special day on Dec. 23. It’s a busy season of celebrations for these lovely ladies. I hope you all make some special memories in 2016!
Remember that schools close midday on Wednesday, and will be closed until Jan. 4, so you’re liable to see more kids wandering around during the day, especially given the unseasonably warm temperatures. Please drive accordingly for everyone’s safety!
“Just in Case” breakfast packs will be available at four Island sites during the December break, from Dec. 24 to Jan. 3, at Trinity Church in Oak Bluffs (508-693-4424), St. Andrew’s Church in Edgartown (508-627-5330), Grace Church in Vineyard Haven (508-693-0332), and the West Tisbury library (508-693-3366). Some students rely on the school lunch programs on school days, and these breakfast packs are meant to help these students over the break. Any student may go to one of the sites listed above on any morning from 9 to 11 from Dec. 24 through Jan. 3 and grab a breakfast pack. These packs need no refrigeration, microwave, or utensils. Additionally, St. Andrew’s Church will provide sit-down breakfasts to students and an adult family member who comes with them, instead of a breakfast pack. For more information on this new program, please call one of the locations above.
For a busy time of year, the news is pretty quiet this week. The focus is shopping, cooking, and family! Enjoy this special time of year. Enjoy some special time with your families. Try not to stress too much. Remember those who are no longer with us, as well as those who have recently lost loved ones and are experiencing their first holidays without them. Above all, rejoice in the spirit of the season, the simple gifts of family and friends. ’Tis the season to be grateful. But then again, aren’t they all? Merry Christmas to all!