Much has been written about the convergence this year of Hanukkah and Thanksgiving, even to the point of inventing a new word, “Thanksgivukkah,” but around the island as I write the Sunday before Thanksgiving, we are seeing a convergence of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The Southport Town Hall and the Southport United Methodist Church are both decorated with the window wreaths and greens outlining doorways and porches. A large wreath bisected by a lighted angel blowing a trumpet hangs on the church’s bell tower. The Post Office wears a Christmas wreath, as does the monument fence, and we haven’t even had the ‘Lighting up Southport Night” yet.

That night comes Friday, Dec. 6, with activities for all from 4:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. outside at the Southport General Store. Our Southport buildings will be lit for the holiday season, and the skaters will again twinkle on the pond. Maybe even the lobster will welcome you with his lighted, waving claw as you cross the bridge.

This Christmas Lights Celebration is sponsored by the Southport Island Association. Their invitation is “Come help us be merry. Join your friends and neighbors to watch the lights sparkle, sing a few carols, and officially kick off the Christmas season. Pizza and hot drinks provided. Parking is available at the rear of the store, at the school, and at the post office.

A surprise guest will make a special appearance – will he come by sled, or by truck, or just amble in to join the festivities? Be there to find out! Everyone is invited!”

In addition to the SIA decorating efforts and party, our island has been decorated by the Boothbay Region Garden Club, who is the person of Jane Lunt has hung wreaths on the town hall office entrance, the post office, and the monument fence. Thanks to the Garden Club and to Jane.

On this Sunday before Thanksgiving as I write, the temperature all day has been below freezing, and the wind blows strongly out of the west. Many in the crowd of stuffed figures along the school pond, created by the children have lost both their hats and their heads. When we woke this morning, a skim of snow lay on the ground, and the roads on at least the northern half of the island had their first salting. So far the power remains on, and I have only seen one small tree down across the exit road from the town hall. Let’s hope that remains the extent of the damage.

I understand the damage was complete in a fire last Friday night during which Rene Goulette, Betty’s son, and his wife, Mary, lost their boat building, storing and refurbishing business in South Bristol. “Everything was a total loss,” says the South Bristol Fire Chief. Our sympathies to Rene and Mary and all who lost possessions dear to them. Insurance eventually helps but not in those first days of anguish.

An intrepid group of Southport tennis players and nearby friends continued to show up at the Newagen courts on Saturdays through November 16 to play round robin tennis. Many thanks to Rosalie Baker for organizing the game through the spring, summer and fall, and to Newagen Inn for leaving their nets up beyond the hotel season. Look for information next spring when the game will start again.

Remember that Sunday, Dec. 8, the Southport Methodist Church choir will offer their traditional Lessons and Carols service with a homemade soup supper to begin at 5 p.m. Lesson and Carols will begin approximately at 6 p.m.

On Monday, Dec. 16, the school children will present their holiday program beginning at 6 p.m. at the Southport Town Hall with a snow date, if necessary, on December 17. On December 17 they will sing at the Gregory Wing at St. Andrews Village as well.

With those reminders, I wish all a fulfilling Thanksgiving and Hanukkah and lots of fun as our lights and greens and good food, and gatherings with family and friends “drive the dark away.”