The annual Christmas Bird Count had begun, as birders spread out across the Island to spot, count and identify as many birds as possible on New Year’s eve. It would be a long day, starting before dawn and ending in darkness. The birds rarely stayed put, and neither did the birders.

The hope for the year ahead is heard once again in the old and comfortable greeting called out to friends and strangers alike: “We wish you a Happy New Year.”

Winter avian residents arrive and the occasional rare birds move through the Island in December, as winter begins.

Someone wrote to the Gazette awhile ago with a few observations about this time of year, thoughts as appropriate today as they were when they were first published: “If we can be still long enough to see the small lights shining in the darkness . . .

A storm blowing in lashed the Vineyard with wind and rain, causing flooding, eroding dunes, cancelling ferries and downing tree branches.

Even as the days grow shorter and darker, the Vineyard turns brighter. Strings of seasonal lights and shop window decorations in the main streets of Island towns illuminate the passing December days.

Downtown Edgartown was packed tight Saturday with Islanders, visitors and their pet companions dolled up in holiday garb for the 42nd annual Christmas in Edgartown festival.

These are the darkest days. The sun only starts to climb above the horizon around 7 a.m., rides low across the sky, and already is dipping out of sight as 4 p.m. draws near.