Living in Singapore is fantastic, but the holidays can be hard on us expats. Mostly because family is so far away. For those new here, you might be feeling really homesick or frustrated because you can't find that certain ingredient you always use for your special Thanksgiving dish. (For me? It's Jimmy Dean sausage that I use in my stuffing). But there are lots of reasons to love being on this side of the globe for Thanksgiving.
Why Celebrate Thanksgiving in Singapore
But maybe you're just frustrated by the whole thing. Why should you even celebrate here, so far from the States? Well, for starters, Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday; it's a deep-rooted tradition that ties us to our cultural heritage. Recreating the holiday abroad helps keep that connection to these traditions, especially for families with children. Passing on the customs, whether it’s sharing what you’re thankful for or preparing a turkey dinner, helps keep the essence of home alive.
Sharing Our Heritage
As mentioned, living overseas often means being away from all those you love, but I've learned that my friends here are like family – family, I choose! I love celebrating those friendships and am blessed to attend a couple of Friendsgivings annually, each is different and magical in its own way. Thanksgiving provides an opportunity to create a sense of community. Inviting friends, neighbors, or fellow expats to join in a Thanksgiving meal can help you build new relationships. People from other cultures love scoring an invite to American Thanksgiving in somebody's home. Invite them! Explaining the meaning of the holiday and its history provides a window into Thanksgiving's values of gratitude, generosity, and togetherness.
Focusing on Gratefulness
Thanksgiving is ultimately about giving thanks. Living abroad often gives a new perspective on life, from learning to navigate different customs to appreciating what you may have taken for granted back home. The holiday offers a dedicated moment to reflect on these experiences and express gratitude. And because w don't get Thursday off here, you might get more than one chance to celebrate!
Building New Memories
Being overseas can inspire all sorts of creative adaptations of Thanksgiving traditions. One year, I invited a bunch of non-American friends. They all brought food from their cultures, things I'd never had before! At first, I was missing the traditional dishes from back home. Then one of the kids said, "It's kind of like the first Thanksgiving when everybody shared food from their cultures with each other." Out of the mouths of babes... This blending of cultures can make the holiday even more meaningful and personal. And I've learned to make myself any dish that I absolutely must have like stuffing or sweet potates. I've also learned that my table isn't going to have little $20 pumpkins on them! Ha.
Battling the Blues
For many, holidays like Thanksgiving can make you feel all the more homesick, especially newbies. Celebrating it, even on a small scale, can ease those emotions by recreating the familiar smells, tastes, and rituals of the holiday.
Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food or the football; it’s about the spirit of gratitude and connection. When you’re living overseas, celebrating Thanksgiving can be a way to bridge the distance, share your culture, and foster meaningful connections. It’s a reminder that no matter where we are, the values of family, community, and gratitude are universal.
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