Here’s a proposed expedition every bit as adventurous (but not nearly as brutal) as Capt. Shackleton’s trek across South Georgia Island: Why not sit down with loved ones and plan to attend every last event being staged over the coming weekend — Dec. 11 to Dec. 13 — of the Christmas In Edgartown extravaganza?

You step out of the drearily grey yet balmy November day into the cavernous anteroom of the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury, and you’re confronted with that symbol of country comfort: the black cast-iron soup pot. There are two actually: curried butternut squash or kale, brought to us by Morning Glory Farm. This reporter placed a five-buck bet on the butternut, and took the cup into the enormous hall, sat down, spooned up the ambrosial bisque, and reflected that the festivities spread out before her were more delightful than any event that operates here in the summer.

It’s irresistible to start this review of Vineyard author Tom Dresser’s new book about the Beatles, It Was 40 Years Ago Today, by saying it’s a Magical Mystery Tour of the Fab Four who Please Pleased [Us] through a Hard Day’s Night lasting six years, spanning the spectrum of I Feel Fine, to wanting to give each other A Ticket to Ride, all of them — and us —– trailing apart in a mood of benediction, Let It Be.