It is my first thanksgiving out here in Cali, and to be honest, I’ve been a little bit down about it, because honestly, I didn’t think that thanksgiving could really be festive without changing leaves and the threat of snow and lots of corduroy and fleece.  But now I’m starting to get excited. 

Charlie and I talked about it, and we’re going to invite everyone over for an outdoor thanksgiving.  We have a massive outside kitchen adjacent to a massive patio with three outdoor fireplaces and a pathway of inlaid gas fires so that the walk to the garden is lit by a tiny row of flames.  There’s a gas grill island and a huge seating arrangement, all surrounded and incorporated with flowers and trees and nature and warmth. 

I think this is the perfect time to start my own new traditions in my own house with my new family.  I love the idea of having the whole festivity outside, almost like the pilgrims themselves, despite the warm weather.  It just seems like the whole thing will seem natural, organic, and effortlessly beautiful, even if it’s not the norm.  Who ever said it was a terrible thing to be different?

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