Nine degrees Fahrenheit? I had to look twice at the thermometer Monday morning — it’s kind of early to be so cold. A mess of gloves, mittens and scarves are finally near the door!

So good to see the church full Sunday night, especially with new families and little ones! Wendy Thompson, Carol Blake and Dan Quinion teamed up to lead the fine singers and musicians: Mara Abbott, Dick Barker, Newt Blakesley, Darlene Daniels, Libby Fairfield, Dewey Harris, Cyndy Lewis, Joseph McGrath, Susan Ratigan, Marcia Richardson, Gail Swanton, Jack Swanton and Gaye Wagner. And the church was warm, welcoming and beautiful, thanks to Community Association members.

Marcia’s closing prayer encouraged us to be bright and bold stars. Then we hustled over to the town hall for refreshments, with a quick nod to the clear and sparkling evening sky.

Did you miss Santa last Saturday? It was too rainy for him to land at the waterfront, but I hear he’s gliding into town this Saturday morning to enjoy a homemade breakfast with you at the Wiscasset Community Center, from 8 to 10 am. Pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, juice, milk and coffee. It’s the 12th Annual Breakfast with Santa — $3 for kids (free for anyone 4 and younger), and $6 for adults.

St. Philip’s is hosting their Christmas Fair and Luncheon from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Lots of holiday sights and aromas, with fresh-made wreathes, crafts, door and table decorations, a  baked goods table, and holiday greens available for sale. Many folks drop in for the delicious luncheon of homemade tomato soup, cornbread and dessert: gingerbread with real whipped cream!

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be traveling on the Candy Cane Train Saturday and Sunday. They have four trips on their schedule, leaving from the Bath Train Station to Wiscasset (and back). Tickets have been on sale for awhile, so give a call and jump on board with your family. Trains leave at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Ride the train with Santa and his elves, enjoy cookies, stories, and songs aboard the train. Inside the Train Station, visit with Mrs. Claus, view model trains, and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.

All proceeds benefit Tri-County Literacy, working in Midcoast Maine to improve lives through literacy. Tickets are $17 per person, and can be purchased at www.candycanetrain.org or 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath, or call 207-443-6384.

Might have to take a detour from work on Monday. Chewonki holds their Annual Artisan Holiday Craft Fair at the Chewonki Education Center on Dec. 15 from 1 to 5 p.m. Many different crafts have been made by Chewonki staff and local crafters, and you’ll find jewelry, wooden spoons, bowls, cutting board, wildlife art, handmade soaps and sweets, purses, bags, wallets, ornaments and more.

Imagine a lot of families got a glimpse of their college students at Thanksgiving, and it won’t be too long till they’re home again for Christmas. It’d be great to share news about their studies, travels and other adventures: please drop me a line when you have a minute (sometime between working, shopping, decorating, wrapping, baking, meeting friends, there might be a minute?)

From everyone who thoroughly enjoyed the Island Christmas Program (the “six geese” were in very good voice) and sharing Christmas cookies with old friends and new neighbors at the town hall, our heartfelt thanks to the talented and enthusiastic choir and musicians, and the Westport Community Association for making our Yuletide gay!