Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated widely in the United States, Canada, Brazil, and various other parts of the world. It is a day when people express gratitude for the harvest season and other blessings in their lives.
However, for individuals living abroad, celebrating Thanksgiving can bring a whole new experience. It can feel a bit strange, especially if they are not with other fellow Americans or Canadians. In this article, we’ll provide a few tips on how to celebrate Thanksgiving abroad.
1. Host a dinner party
The best way to celebrate Thanksgiving is by hosting a dinner party. Invite friends and family members, local or expats, to share a meal and give thanks. Preparing a turkey feast, complete with side dishes and desserts, is part of the tradition of Thanksgiving.
To make this less stressful, opt for potluck-style dinner. This way, everyone can bring something to the table, and it’s less work for the host. Don’t forget to decorate the table with the traditional fall-themed pieces, such as pumpkins or fall leaves.
2. Volunteer
Thanksgiving is also a perfect opportunity to give back to the community. Look for local charities or organizations in your area that may need help providing meals to the less fortunate or volunteering at a food bank.
Volunteering can be a great way to build community and connect with like-minded individuals. You’ll feel good about spreading kindness and helping someone in need.
3. Watch the Parade and football games
For those who grew up watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and football games, watching the parade and the football games can make them feel closer to home. Some international networks will broadcast these events, which can be watched over the internet.
4. Host a virtual get-together
With the pandemic still affecting people’s ability to gather in-person, hosting a virtual Thanksgiving party is a perfect way to connect with family or friends who may live far away, or are not able to travel.
Try hosting an online game night or having a virtual watch party. You can even cook a meal or bake a dessert together over video call.
5. Celebrate local traditions
Lastly, take this opportunity to experience and appreciate the local culture’s customs and traditions. Some countries have similar harvest festivals or thanksgiving days, such as Chuseok in Korea or Erntedankfest in Germany.
Attending these events can be a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture, share stories and experiences, and learn something new.
In summary, celebrating Thanksgiving abroad can challenge but also be a joyous occasion. By being flexible and open-minded, it is possible to create your own traditions and make the holiday feel like home. Whether you opt to volunteer or host a dinner party, remember that the purpose of Thanksgiving is to give thanks and be thankful for the blessings in our lives.
