“I have an idea,” Sandy said. “Who wants to spend Thanksgiving Day in the kitchen when we could have our meal out at the beach? What do you say?”

And that started an annual tradition that a group of us has enjoyed for more than 25 years. Wendell was in charge of picking up the oysters and bringing the small barbecue. Then, on Thanksgiving morning, we packed up our food and met with our friends at Drakes Beach.

When we arrived, we had the whole beach to ourselves, knowing that many people were still at home, preparing their own Thanksgiving dinner.

Meanwhile, we were out in the fresh air, watching the waves curl up on the shore, and sharing the space with eager seagulls that seemed to realize that there might be something to pick up for themselves. The ice chests that held the wine and anything else that needed to stay cool became our tables. We spread out all the food and utensils that we had brought for our banquet on the blankets.

It didn’t take long for the coals to be ready to barbecue the oysters for our appetizer, but there were also plenty of oysters available to eat on the half shell, drenched with a tangy sauce. For some folks, this was the first time they had ever tasted an oyster, and we cheered them for their bravery. Then, we toasted one another with a glass of Silver Oak Cabernet or a Navarro Riesling that would enhance our meal to perfection.

The young people hurried down to the shore to create sand castles, or they set up the volleyball net for a quick game before we called them over for the meal. We had the traditional menu — turkey slices for sandwiches on bakery buns with cranberry sauce to go with it. The stuffing and some gravy were easily scooped next to the spoonful of roasted veggies from a casserole dish, still warm from the oven at home. A bit of German potato salad complemented our meal, and homemade pumpkin and apple pie awaited us for our dessert. The seagulls realized soon enough that there would be no treats for them from our table.

“Thanksgiving on the Beach” was so successful that we expanded it over the years to include “Easter on the Beach.” The menu was changed slightly to include deviled eggs and sliced ham for sandwiches. Easter candy was kept in the coolers to prevent the chocolate from melting in the sun. To celebrate resurrection on the shores of the ocean, where there is so much joy and beauty, was perfect.

As we look back at the photos we took on these occasions, we see the faces of people whom we had invited to join us for this experience on the beach.

Some were seminary students from South Africa, others from Namibia or Zimbabwe. Friends from Cambodia joined us on one occasion, and on another, a German family who had just arrived in California.

We didn’t know them, but they were pleased to be invited to our meal and fellowship. Colleagues from work joined us and families from across the Bay Area or from other states came with their children. The time spent with everyone created memorable moments for all.

When the meal was over, we packed up our things, relaxing in the sunshine, listening to the waves, watching the birds and taking walks along the shore. What was important on these days each year was not necessarily the food, but the fellowship and friendship that we exchanged with one another in this beautiful place.

Mary Waetjen is a San Anselmo resident. IJ readers are invited to share their stories of love, dating, parenting, marriage, friendship and other experiences for our How It Is column, which runs Tuesdays in the Lifestyles section. All stories must not have been published in part or in its entirety previously. Send your stories of no more than 600 words to lifestyles@marinij.com. Please write How It Is in the subject line. The IJ reserves the right to edit them for publication. Please include your full name, address and a daytime phone number.