If your Thanksgiving is anything like ours, you’ll be made to go around the table and state something for which you’re thankful. This annual task is awkward and allows delicious food to grow cold, but we see mom’s point. It’s important to remember that while mostly about stuffing, Thanksgiving is also about gratitude. Here are just a few small pleasures to keep in mind.
1. That moment when you glance down Market Street and can see both the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in the distance, suddenly realizing that you live in a postcard.
2. The “Ding! Ding!” of cable cars. Our city has the most charming city sound, especially when compared with the soul-less, manufactured sounds emanating from Los Angeles.
3. When Muni comes on time, and the single seat in front of the back door is available.
4. Two-for-one cocktails at nearly every gay bar happy hour in town. San Franciscans never need an excuse to party, but we’re grateful for the bars that make it easy.
5. When people from out of town discover that we live in San Francisco and respond “Lucky!” Agreed.
6. The sun shines in November. The sun shines in December. The sun shines in January. We could go on.
7. The feeling you get as your BART train arrives just as you get to the bottom of the escalator.
8. Cracked crab and a shot of Fernet; the official dinner of winter in San Francisco.
9. We have no choice but to burn off all those extra holiday calories walking up hills.
10. The knowledge that the Giants will probably win another World Series soon.