The weather has been playing with us. One day it is cold and windy, the next is some sun and warm as it can be for November. I remember last year at this time it was a lot colder because my outdoor decorations never got up. I took advantage of this past weekend and they are they are up and ready for me to light the lights for the Christmas season.

Happy Birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Wren Merrill who celebrated Nov. 22; Willow Rosbeck, Helena De Oliveira, Nov. 23; Elliott Lamarche, Nov. 26; and Emma Cekala and Stephanie Ribeiro, who celebrate their day on Nov. 27.

Black Friday has been going on for the last month. If you are online every retailer was offering their best electronics, clothes, toys, whatever you would love to get for presents. Gone are the days you clipped coupons, got up at 4 a.m. to get to the store and stand in long lines to get the best deals. Some people were pros at getting out and doing it, but it was always difficult after Thanksgiving, with the big meal, having a house full of people or traveling to family. But you still did it and it was fun, and we took pride in how much money we saved. Now, you just do it from your chair and let the UPS deliverers do all the work.

You could also shop locally and support the businesses on the Island. With Christmas in Edgartown coming there are plenty of stores open, and there are a lot of craft sales.

The Federated Church is having their annual Festival of Wreaths workshops. They are planned for Dec. 1, 2 and 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parish house at 45 South Summer Street.

Volunteers are needed to help hand decorate the 55 wreaths sold during the Festival to raise money for the pastors discretionary fund to help Islanders in need. On Dec. 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. the wreaths will be on display in the meeting house. In the parish house there will be beverages and hors d’oeuvres. There will also be a raffle for $250 gift certificate for Santoro Group Restaurants, a silent auction and live music by Peter Boak and friends.

Contact Herb Ward for more information [email protected].

There are also many holiday pop-ups and Fairs going on all over the Island so please check the paper for those events.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.