Tue, 29 May 2012
| Index | Last | Var.(%) |
|---|---|---|
| BEL 20 | 2117.66 | -0.08 |
| DAX | 6323.19 | -0.26 |
| IBEX 30 | 6401.2 | -2.17 |
| CAC 40 | 3042.97 | -0.16 |
| FTSE 100 | 5356.34 | 0.09 |
| AEX | 292.76 | 0.00 |
| DJIA | 12454.83 | -0.60 |
| Nasdaq | 2837.53 | -0.07 |
| FTSE MIB | 13057.26 | -0.74 |
| TSX Composite | 11566.15 | -0.09 |
| ASX | 4124.5 | 0.10 |
| Hang seng | 18735.5 | -0.35 |
| Straits Times | 2789.74 | 0.09 |
| ISEQ 20 | 501.76 | 0.16 |
Text size
American expat Elaine Chow shares her thoughts about celebrating Thanksgiving abroad.Thanksgiving has always been my favourite holiday because it feels like Christmas without all of the shopping anxiety. Having grown up in America, Thanksgiving makes me think of cornucopias, pumpkin pies, turkey, and the merging of different cultures – Native American Indians sitting down to feast with our American forefathers and the pilgrims from the Mayflower.
I favour the last image since it is probably the most symbolic of America, as our country is known abroad; as the melting pot of many world cultures. Indeed, in my household, we eat our turkey and gravy with rice and chopsticks.
Being abroad, I am unable to join my family for our usual celebration, but I find that it makes me think about what it 
means to be an American. At home, I generally anticipate the holiday as a family affair in which everyone begins to plan out what they want to cook for their loved ones a week ahead.
The dinner itself means time-out from the usual work schedule, or a time to pause and reflect on everything that one should be thankful for. I find this last aspect similar to religious tenets of ‘counting one’s blessings,’ without the religious connotation.
Due to the lack of religious affiliation that is generally associated with other holidays such as Christmas, Easter, or even Halloween, the Thanksgiving holiday has a universal appeal to people of all backgrounds and ethnicities. I mean, who comes from a culture that does not appreciate the simple joys of sharing dinner with those whom you love and care about?
Thanksgiving is truly American in that it stems from the homogenizing of different cultures. Different people can come together and eat dinner at the same table regardless of where they come from.
I anticipate that this year will be no different, and that though I will be in another country without my family, I will be celebrating turkey day by reflecting upon those who have welcomed me to this foreign country; thanking those who have helped me during my transition, much like the pilgrims with the Native Americans during that difficult winter abroad from their own home.
26 November 2008
Elaine Chow is the winner of our 'Thanksgiving thoughts from abroad' competition. Her prize is a full turkey dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam.
Excellent write up. Congrats!
Great write-up on Thanksgiving, Elaine! I am half-Japanese, grew up in So. CA, and I lived in Germany for four years (2001-2005). Thanksgiving was an American tradition/holiday that was sorely missed (that, and July 4th)! In 2002, I believe, I hosted a Thanksgiving supper for a couple of Amer. Expat friends and their children---turkey, stuffing, candied yams, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, bisquits, gravy: They loved it! I couldn't find cranberry sauce but my then-German husband said that the "preiselberry" was a good sub. Hope you enjoyed your turkey dinner in Amsterdam!
Excellent write up. Congrats!
Great write-up on Thanksgiving, Elaine! I am half-Japanese, grew up in So. CA, and I lived in Germany for four years (2001-2005). Thanksgiving was an American tradition/holiday that was sorely missed (that, and July 4th)! In 2002, I believe, I hosted a Thanksgiving supper for a couple of Amer. Expat friends and their children---turkey, stuffing, candied yams, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, bisquits, gravy: They loved it! I couldn't find cranberry sauce but my then-German husband said that the "preiselberry" was a good sub. Hope you enjoyed your turkey dinner in Amsterdam!
A guide to telephone, internet and television along with utility services water, electricity and gas in the Netherlands.
Lost in the Dutch immigration system? Look no further than this guide compiled for our Survival Guide 2012.
Expatica offers a whistle-stop tour of life in the modern Netherlands.
The challenges and benefits of the maternity system in the Netherlands and how it differs to other countries.
Twitter
LinkedIn
Facebook
Google+
2
