We have enjoyed warmer weather this week with temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Rhododendrons appear ready to bloom. Many new families have moved to Aquinnah for the winter, making it perhaps a sought-after winter paradise. We have no idea what the weather will be but many of us are hoping it will be a repeat of last year’s sort of tropical winter. The Hyland family has the best display of Christmas lights thus far, adorning their State Road home. Adam Wilson has already decorated the town hall inside and out.

Community Baptist Church of Gay Head members are reminded to bring in new hats, mittens, gloves or scarves for the Red Stocking Fund by Dec. 9. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will be held on Monday, Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. with Rev. Ellen Tatreau. Traditional lessons, carols and lighting of candles will be enjoyed by all in attendance.

The Aquinnah holiday party will be held on Sunday, Dec. 23 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Aquinnah town hall. All Aquinnah residents are invited. We have quite a few new residents in town and it would be nice for them to meet their neighbors. Santa will arrive between 4:30 and 5 p.m. via his usual mode of travel in Aquinnah — the fire truck. There will be gifts for all Aquinnah children up to the age of 12. Please bring a dish to share for the potluck dinner.

Trustees of Aquinnah Public Library would like to invite community members to a holiday open house to welcome the new library director, Lisa Sherman, on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 2 to 4 p.m.

First Baptist Church will celebrate their annual Christmas Tea with luncheon and shopping at the parish house on William street in Tisbury on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for children. Join in and celebrate the holiday season with coffee, tea, tea sandwiches and more. Or, just stop by to shop. There will be baked goods, crafts and gift items at reasonable prices.

The Martha’s Vineyard Museum will celebrate during Christmas in Edgartown with the annual Jewelry Jingle from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 8. Tom Dunlop and Peter Wells will spend time with the young ones from 11:30 to 1 p.m. teaching kids about the Chappy Ferry. Member and non-member discounts will be in effect during the day.

The Martha’s Vineyard Artisans Festival will have the fifth annual holiday festival on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury. Lunch by Little Rock Farm will be available. Join Jannette Vanderhoop and her fellow artisans with their beautiful work in time for the holidays.

Blanche Jackson and her daughter Sylvia have arrived from Illinois to spend the winter at their family home on Lighthouse Road, sharing it with son and brother Aron who has kept the home fires burning while awaiting their arrival.

Joan LeLacheur will have an open studio at her 42 Old South Road home from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 8, 15 and 22. Stop by and indulge yourself in Joanie’s unique wampum jewelry and decorative artwork. For directions, please call her at 508-645-9954.

Condolences to the family and friends of Shirley Pachico, who passed away after a long illness. She was a multi-generational family friend for the past half century.

Condolences to the family and friends of Maurice (Mike) Pease, who passed away recently. We would often meet at gatherings in Harthaven and Abel’s Hill, but our time spent in cardiac rehab together was much more enlightening. Memorial services will be held next summer.

Get well wishes to First Baptist Church deacon and friend to all, Melvin Thornhill, as he rests and recuperates at his home with the assistance of his wife, Neva.

Diamond (Ellie) Vanderhoop was honored by about 100 of her family and friends on Saturday evening when a surprise party was held at the Aquinnah town hall to celebrate her 40th birthday. Friends from across the Vineyard attended, and she was happy to greet her co-workers from Chilmark Chocolates.

Faith Vanderhoop and her daughter Billie Diamond returned this week after spending the holiday in Vancouver with her niece Carrie Anne Vanderhoop, her husband, Tyler Bellis, and their daughter, Rosalie.

Happy 13th anniversary wishes to Leigh and Christy Moreis as they celebrate on Dec. 12.

Happy Birthday wishes to Candace Nichols on Dec. 8, as she shares the day with twins Robin and Russell Smith. Polly Renear will observe her special day on Dec. 9, and shares the day with Deborah Hancock and Paul Henry Jeffers-Mayhew. Tamara Buchwald parties on Dec. 10. Christopher Paul Manning parties on Dec. 12. Charlie Thomas will celebrate on Dec. 13.