On the brink of a Clipper, heavy winds, rains, and high temperatures, we will see how things go. Christmas is coming this week, all of us are at various stages of preparedness, but in our hearts we know it will come one way or another, and the significance of the day is not diminished by whatever might be lacking, those worries are ours alone, for if this time of year is your story, you know it was humble beginnings, so let the light and love in and let all else fall to the wayside. Enjoy family, friends, community, worship, traditions, that is what matters during this season. 

Last week I reported that the ice rink at the school would still need a few weeks. That very day I saw signs saying it was open, and it is, except for the possible warm temperatures closing it down again. In any case, you can check the sign at the picnic table closest to the rink and know whether you may skate or not. If you have a group and would like a team event, remember that there are hockey sticks and pucks in the white trailer for community use. Thank you Southport Central. 

If you have not seen the beautiful lights at the school and fire house, drive by. There are also some well-lit homes all over the island. After walking the dog, I love taking in the twinkling lights. The Southport Memorial Library looks stunning, lights at the door and on the witch hazel tree by the Rachel Carson memorial plaque all aglow. The library has had quite a holiday season, from decorating with Deck the Halls, to Gift Wrapping night, the Christmas Market and tonight, the Family Holiday Movie. The library is truly a heart and pulse for our island from the beginnings as the Bayberry Camp Library, established in 1906. It was then that the lending of books out of the cottage in Newagenbelonging to Susan and Rebecca Zabriski, started. They were daughters of a New York pastor of the Dutch Reform Churchand brought some of their father's collectionhere for lending.  The cottage eventually became too small for all activities that took place there, not just the lending of books, but also wood carving,Scouting and Camp Fire Girls. In 1948, with several civic-minded leaders at the helm, the then vacant Second school at Newagen was converted into a Public Library andWorld Wars Memorial and began with 5,000 volumes donated by the Zabriski heirs. In 1960 a new reading and reference room was added, and more growth occurred in 1984 with the addition of the children’s room, more has happened since and now gives us this extraordinary hub of social activity and all the best new and older books in varied genres and a solid collection of classics. Regular hours are Tuesday 9-4, Thursday 9-4, and then 6-8, and Saturday 9-4. They will be closed on Dec. 25 for Christmas and Thursday, Jan. 1, for New Year’s Day.  

While we are looking at holiday hours, Southport Island Treasures will be open for you to still find that just right gift for someone on your list, or the perfect pick me up for yourself or your home until Tuesday, Dec. 23.  The shop will be closed from Wednesday, Dec. 24until Saturday the 27th.  All Christmas merchandise is 50% off right now, so go and take a look.  Regular hours are Monday-Saturday, 10-4. 

Betsy Thibault wishes all of you a wonderful holiday season; she misses being on Southport. Though not residing here, she is always a Southporter. She is adjusting gradually to her new life situation and is looking toward the future.  Her recovery is underway, and she is focused forward to receiving her first prosthetic leg in January. A fundraising campaign is now in place to help give her back some mobility, additional independence, and broaden her access to things she might need in the area, by modifying her van. An account has been set up at First Bank in Boothbay Harbor, the one by the Time and Temperature sign. The bank staff will handle any donations that any of you might wish to make toward this effort. Simply give them Betsy’s name and they will take care of the rest for you. If monetary support is not something you can or want to give, she is very appreciative of calls, cards, or a visit. During the season of giving, we strive to give what we can. 

If you are seeking fellowship and a spiritual lift, Southport United Methodist Church extends a welcome to you for Christmas Eve service at 2p.m. There is no service on Christmas Day. 

If you have items for the column next week, they will need to get to me by Christmas Day since the deadline is the 26th due to the New Year’s Day holiday. I look forward to hearing from you.   

As we all count down the days for Christmas, and then New Year, with all four candles lit and almost all the advent calendar doors open, let reflect on the good around us, our friends, families, and community, as well as all the natural beauty we are surrounded by.  In my little house in woods, we await the last family member so that the tree can be decorated, the cats, dog and grown children snuggle under blankets, contentment can be felt in the quiet routines of each day, dry wood is in, books are stacked all around, there is peace, may it continue and May Peace Be with You All. Merry Christmas.