Hunglish.orgAdrift in a new country is exhilerating but sometimes leaving behind the familiar sights and sounds of childhood holidays like Thanksgiving is hard, here are a few ideas on how expats can still fit in the celebration without the days off.
Thanksgiving is coming up and although far from Plymouth Rock, most Americans are not willing to give up the bird this year or any year. It is a holiday most Americans have been celebrating for the span of their lives from making cornucopia center pieces from childhood to having the whole clan over for the day. It is a time when family and friends come together and generally have a traditional turkey dinner and perhaps watch football and eat cold turkey sandwiches the next day with white bread and mayo. There are a few days off in the week from work and school and the long extended weekend is for feasting and lounging and is followed by the biggest shopping day of the year. It is a time of year when Americans honor the blessings and fruitfulness of their lives and who often offer their thanksgiving in charitable acts such as working in a soup kitchen for the homeless or donating food to a needy family. With the past years having been especially hard on many families economically, it is even more important for Americans to come together. Prayers are regularly offered of gratitude and gratefulness is expressed for loved ones and for the freedoms and privileges that living in America has bestowed on its people. Foods served at Thanksgiving are ones that the American Indians once taught the settlers how to grow, staples like corn and squash, and school children are taught about the history between the Native American Indians, Christopher Columbus and the Pilgrims. For those expats living abroad this November who are looking at how to celebrate Thanksgiving in Hungary, here are a few ways to go. As far as fare is concerned, a few hotels around the city are offering special catered Thanksgiving meals in case Americans are looking to throw a Thanksgiving party. Four current offers are being advertised by the Marriot, the InterContinental, the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus and the Meridien. Check the hotel websites for details, but the menus are all relatively similar with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, vegetables and pumpkin pies for 2 to 3 people all the way up to 10 guests for prices that are reasonable and all orders include a complimentary bottle of wine with dinner. Reservations are being taken now and delivery is free in most districts. The Meridien has wait staff for hire and will also be hosting a Thanksgiving buffet for both children and adults. As far as wanting to do charitable work around Hungary, there is the Salvation Army, The Lion’s Club and the North American Women’s Association to name a few. Check the websites to find information on specific charities from helping the elderly to working in local orphanages. With family far away during the holidays, offering time or money to a local organization may be the added touch needed to bring all the joy and Thanksgiving into the hearts of those Americans now celebrating abroad. Happy Thanksgiving!
Written by Natalie Jaro