The days of this month seem to be passing quickly, but each has had something special, like an advent calendar with a small surprise.  We got the second snow, this one lingers as the temperatures remain chilly, and the sun is not with us often, or for long, but there are things happening that are filled with the light and warmth of the season, so let us focus our attention there. 

The library is now decorated thanks to the successful Deck The Halls event last Thursday. This Thursday, the 11th, from 6 to 8 p.m., you can enjoy those festive surroundings, and get your wrapping done at the first ever Wine and Wrapping. Bring your own wrapping materials, use some of the trimmings and tape on offer, and avoid the nosy family members that just happen to appear while you are cutting the paper, peeking at your boxes and bags. There will also be some light fare to be had, and beverage options. Please remember that the Library is also running a food drive at this time, consider bringing some nonperishable items and placing them in the basket below the front table, it will be most appreciated and is much needed at the Boothbay Region Food Pantry. If you cannot come for the wrapping, you might be able to make the Christmas Market held at the Library on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be crafts, food, music and good cheer; it is not to be missed. 

Next, the Southport and East Boothbay United Methodist Churches are inviting all of you to a free Christmas Movie Event at the Harbor Theater, Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. The movie is “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” a humorous story about some mischievous youngsters taking over their town’s annual Christmas pageant. Bring your whole family. All who attend will receive free popcorn and soda. For additional information you can go to https://boothbaycinema.org  

Another family movie opportunity will be held Thursday, Dec. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Southport Memorial Library. The animated movie is "Klaus," in which a simple act of kindness always sparks another, even in a frozen, faraway place. When Smeerensburg's new postman, Jesper, befriends toymaker Klaus, their gifts melt an age-old feud and deliver a sleigh full of holiday traditions. The run time is one hour and 36 minutes, so the film will begin by 6:10. Popcorn and pizza will be available,holiday PJ’sare not only welcomed, but encouraged.Sounds like a warm and cozy evening. 

If you are still in search of gifts or some home décor Southport Island Treasures is your place to go. Open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., you are bound to find something to your liking.  With an expanded clothing section there arecomfy sweaters for year round or one for the Christmas gatherings, jackets, hats, gloves, slacks, and dresses. Other items include beautiful home items ranging from cookware to sets of dishes,also jewelry, stationary, and accessories, and of course now, also Christmas items to bring some sparkle or whimsy to your decorations.As you check out remember to sign up for your chance to win the monthly raffle. Last month’s winner of the holiday themed runner was Wendy Wood. This month you have a chance to win two pot holders and a $25 gift certificate; no purchase is needed to enter. Angel has been generously collecting for groups on the island each month, donations collected currently will go to saving and restoring the grave stones on Southport, certainly a good way to honor the past and care for the community that makes Southport home. 

As the temperatures stay around the freezing mark, it will soon be time to turn our attention to some winter activities, one being skating which we will soon be able to enjoy on the rink that was set up at the school a few weeks ago. I promise to have all the criterion and rules for safe use available in the next column. 

For now, if you are out and about after the sun has set, which is right around four in the afternoon, you can enjoy the lights around town, the school and its pond are beautiful as well as the firehouse, town hall, library, and general store.  The event that kicked off all thistwinkly wonder was delightful, I hope you were able to attend. Forme it was a bit of all the things that make this season special, a moment captured, like a snow globe scene. People brought together by the sound of gleeful children’s laughter, then voices joined in songs that have been sung by many generations, and bring forth the spirits of those no longer with us, sweet treats, warm beverages, rosy cheeks and noses touched by the cold, clapping muted by woolen mittens, but spirits heightened by communal joy, and anticipation that was rewarded with the display of lights, the arrival of jolly Santa on the back of an extraordinarily decorated fire truck, all of it magic, all of it filled with light and love, as the season should be. 

It is of course also a season of pressures for many, lots to get done, perhaps expectations hard to meet, losses, memories, everyone carries their own burdens, we are expected to bear the weight, and most will, but there is no shame in reaching out to others for assistance, a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on, a hand in friendship, we can all be those things for others, so check in on friends, neighbors, and acknowledge the stranger with a smile and good tidings. 

May Peace Be With You All.