Roundup: Minute Man, Barnes & Noble, Brrrrrr …

If it’s Christmas, the Minute Man must be wearing a Santa Claus cap.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

Now, please: Spare us the hand-wringing comments calling this “disrespect,” or a “desecration.”

The Minute Man — and his compatriots on Compo Hill, along with all the other patriots 250 years ago — fought for freedom.

Freedom from the British. For themselves. And for the right to put a Christmas hat, Easter Bunny ears, COVID mask, or anything else, on this iconic symbol of Westport, any time of year.

Okay, maybe that’s not why they fought.

But no one in Westport disrespects the Minute Man. We love him. And we love what he stands for.

If the Minute Man were to suddenly appear today, he might — after gaping at the changes that have come to the beach, and everywhere else — very well appreciate this warm, welcoming gesture.

And after learning about Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, he might not mind seeing those holidays celebrated at his monument either.

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The Saugatuck Congregational Church’s peace sign — last night’s “06880” Pic of the Day — has been appreciated by many Westporters.

Far less visible is Rindy Higgins’ sign.

Tucked away on a Saugatuck Shores side street, it nonetheless conveys the same important message.

Rindy has posted a sign like this — in one form or another — at her home for decades.

“To me it’s what the holidays are all about,” she says.

“Especially now more than ever.”

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Sure, we all love the holiday lights — thanks, Al’s Angels! — on the Cribari Bridge.

But nearby in Saugatuck, at the marina by the train station, stands this very intriguing tree.

Mary Sikorski spotted it last night, after dinner at Tutti’s.

(Photo/Mary Sikorski)

Just call it the “height” of holiday happiness.

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Meanwhile, this was the scene at Barnes & Noble a couple of hours before closing time yesterday — Christmas Eve:

(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)

The checkout line stretched the length of the store.

Looks like someone — well, many someones — left a bit of shopping to the very end.

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Andy Berman spends countless hours supporting Catch a Lift, the fitness program for wounded veterans that has been embraced by Westport.

But yesterday, he took some time for fun.

If, that is, your idea of fun is swimming at Compo Beach the day before Christmas, when the temperature hovered just above freezing.

Andy’s Catch a Lift pal Adam Vengrow, and a number of other hardy folks, joined the festivities.

Adam Vengrow (standing, far left), Andy Berman (blue hat), and friends, just before they themselves turned blue.

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There’s something new at Quality Towing.

The heap of crashed cars, tow trucks and other vehicles that fills the automotive repair service lot on the Post Road just east of Saugatuck Congregational Church — often blocking the second exit from the Playhouse Square shopping center — has been cleaned up.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

It’s unclear whether the clean-up is permanent or temporary.

One thing is certain, though: It’s a Christmas miracle.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature heads indoors.

Scott Brodie sends an image of his mother’s “Christmas cactus” plant. They bloom once a year, around the winter solstice, he says — just in time for Yule.

(Photo/Scott Brodie)

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And finally … on this day in 1815, The Handel and Haydn Society gave its first performance, in Boston. It is now the longest serving performing arts organization in the United States.

Among the works by George Frederick Handel that may have been performed that day: the “Hallelujah Chorus.”

We don’t have a recording of that event, 208 years ago. So here is the next best thing: the Staples High School Candlelight Concert, from 2012: