Turkey, cranberry sauce, gravy, general good
cheer… the feast of Thanksgiving has much in common with the traditional Christmas meal enjoyed in between church and The Queen’s Speech at home in England. The day that remembers the early days of America is as joyful as the festival that celebrates the birth of Christ, and my first
Thanksgiving on American soil was certainly a night to remember. It was the first time I
have joined hands with my companions before the feast to give thanks and the first time I have
eaten marshmallows with meat – both, it turns out, to be recommended. For us
reserved British, the idea of an effusive, literal ‘thanksgiving’ can be a
little uncomfortable, requiring the speaker to show emotion and sentiment more
usually implied than expressed, but when we truly mean what we say and have
something particular to be thankful for, it’s easy. In my case, I am thankful
for my friends Maxine and Paul, who have welcomed me into their home in the
true spirit of American hospitality.
Maxine - chef extraordinaire
Paul putting the finishing touches on the Thanksgiving feast
Maxine, me and Paul before the eating started
San Francisco itself is more beautiful than ever when
dressed in her finery for the season. Every store and street is decked out in
fairy lights, a vast tree stands as the centerpiece in Union Square and, most
beguiling of all, the annual collection of puppies and kittens are gamboling in
the windows of Macy’s. The SF SPCA holiday windows have been running for the
past nine years and have raised more than $400,000 for the charity. All the
dogs and cats are available for adoption, although the charity is very strict
about ensuring that ‘a dog is for life and not just for Christmas’. They need
to be – the animals on view are adorable and very tempting!
Macy's on Union Square - festival of wreaths
Christmas, Hannukah and shopping - Union Square has it all!
A sleepy puppy dog in the Macy's window
A pair of kittens draws the crowds
Union Square in glorious December sunshine
Market Street, the main avenue cutting diagonally through
the main shopping area from the Ferry Building, is festooned with lights, and
even the cable cars have got in on the act. This will be my first Christmas
away from home, and I’m a little nervous about missing my family, but there’s
no doubt that seeing the city so festive is a help. There are parties galore in
the offing, carol services at Grace Cathedral and roast beef on Christmas Day
to follow the Thanksgiving turkey. It may be a different continent, but the spirit of goodwill
is the same, and I can’t wait to see the American take on this wonderful time
of the year.
Alcatraz in evening sunshine through the masts of square-rigged Balclutha
Bloomingdale's on Market
Time for Christmas? Yes, I think so!
Market Street lights
Cable car tinsel
Whizzing off up Powell
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