“Dear Santa — Andrew Bacheller is four years old and is asking you for three motorcycles. Happy Holidays. His Mom, Vineyard Haven.”

Santa made his list, checked it twice and then prepared to fly to the Vineyard. This year the trusty Gay Head Light helps him find his way.

I loved Gus Ben David’s letter about the old Mill Pond dam and his reference to the sidewalk marine biologists. Go Gussie, go!

The movie In the Heart of the Sea recently opened in theatres around the world. It is a maritime thriller based on the book of the same name, written by Nantucket resident Nathaniel Philbrick.

It’s amazing what a ride up Island can do for the soul.

By the time you read this I will be visiting my mother for Christmas and celebrating her birthday. It’s not an ordinary birthday. She will be 101 on Dec. 13.