Some Holiday Spirit

After a misguided and failed attempt to capture the holiday spirit one weekend in December (we decided to go Christmas shopping in Union Square, on a Saturday, slightly hung-over and without alcoholic beverages; poor planning, I know), I was feeling more bah humbug than normal. So in an attempt to remove the commercialized stink from the air, below are some highlights of fun and/or maybe more unique things we did this holiday season.

The holidays day began the Tuesday before Thanksgiving when Martin and I slept like pilgrims in a rustic cabin on the coast…After much anticipation and a reservation booked 6 months in advance, we were spending the night in the Steep Ravine Cabins on Mt Tamapalais!   Unfortunately, even with all of my previous research, we arrived uninformed of the locked gate (which may or may not have been my fault) and without the knowledge that mattresses were not included!  The cabin was cozy with our fire and dim lighting… the plank of wood as a bed, was not so much. I surprisingly slept better than expected with just a towel and sheet for padding under my sleeping bag; Martin not as well on my yoga mat that we just happened to have in the car.

Our cabin for the night...not too bad from the outside

The next morning we were off to Dunsmuir for Thanksgiving and a family tradition first (we normally spend Thanksgiving at the Lake). The days were spent relaxing and cooking.  And while Martin made Christmas cookies with the two munchkins (6 batches and all) on Friday, Dana, Brenda and I borrowed Cody’s car and went to see the Hunger Games in Shasta City…okay slightly commercial, but such a guilty pleasure.  

The Munchkins decorating batch #4

Dunsmuir turned out to be just what I needed, a little family time, fun new traditions and everlasting new memories…my favorite being Cody having to awkwardly explain to me, Martin and my mom what pixelated bukkake meant during a ridiculous game of Cards Against Humanity.  I will let you google that one yourself.

Continuing with new traditions, without the annual trip up Hull Mountain the day after Thanksgiving, Martin and I had to select our Christmas tree from one of many beauties at the Guardsmen Tree Lot at Fort Mason.  Similar to the trek up the Mountain, the Guardsmen provided free alcohol (in the name of charity) and a walk up a hill was still required…  To make the evening memorable, Martin thought it would be appropriate to walk home with the tree rather than drive.  So after grabbing our tree at the entrance nicely tied up in twine, we set off up and over the hill, with our Christmas Tree up and over Martin’s shoulder.   About a mile in, and a mile still left to go, we got thirsty and opted to stop for a drink at the Buena Vista Café to regain our strength….With the bar relatively empty, Martin walked right in with the tree over his shoulder, propped it against the bar and grabbed a seat.  After a few random glances the bartenders warmed up to the idea, sharing stories of their favorite Christmas Trees while the tourists looked on in awe and confusion.

 

Its a tree in a bar!

We wrapped up Christmas with the traditional Crab and Ravioli dinner twice, once before and once after Christmas, and spent Christmas morning on a flight to Santiago…the one event of the year we will most likely not repeat.