Christmas 2018

We’ve known for a long way out that this would be the 1st Christmas spent in LA . It’s crept up quietly . Cool still days , short nights and the beginning of winter .It doesn’t feel as celebratory, we are at the mid point in the year . Most have a 10 day to 2 week break but there lacks that end of year comradery that exists in Melbourne. The season and weather has a definite influence but it’s more than that . I’m still surprised at the lack of get togethers and pre Christmas drinks that you take for granted in Australia . In Hermosa there are few families that have the space to throw a party . We look at our place and think about it , but it’s not the greatest setup for having kids run around whilst parents squeeze in the front room . Parks could be good but it’s dark and cold . No matter how much we hear about the close little community in Hermosa Beach it doesn’t ring true . Yeah everyone is nice , we have developed friends but there still lacks events , activities or moments where we get to catch up and shoot the breeze over a few coldies . The area is populated by a large group of expats both internationally and throughout the US . A lot of family’s will have quiet days just to themselves as the price and weary travel keeps them in the bubble . Each family isolated from their extended lineage , content to do it solo . It’s just a little bit sad , not too much , as some seem happy to avoid the arduous task of eating , travelling and drinking all day . Locals are hard to find and predictably this creates a community full of families with few connections and long term friends . It should be an excuse to party up and come together , but not here . Maybe it is an Australian thing , we like to get to know your story . I know it sounds intrusive but it’s a method of putting to bed rumors and questions and getting on with talking about the footy , school or whatever else takes your fancy . There has been gatherings at the park that our good neighbour Bill has invited us to and our good old mates ( sounds weird but NewYorkers and east coasters have a realness that is easy to tap into ) Megan and Ben have had us over . I’m just us much to blame as I’ve fallen into that same vibe of let’s keep it quiet and stick to ourselves that permeates through this coastal town . If it comes to this next year ,I’m not standing for it , as fuck it the locals are gonna have to cope with friends and kids stirring up their quiet little neighbourhood. There’ll be a party next Christmas………. I’m gonna have to call it .