This year, I will celebrate Thanksgiving in Romania, a world away from the traditions and comforts of California. This holiday, deeply tied to American culture, feels different when you are abroad, but perhaps that is where its meaning shines the brightest. It is an opportunity to adapt, connect, and reflect on gratitude in a new context.
Planning Thanksgiving in a Foreign Land
Thanksgiving preparations have taken on a new flavor, quite literally, this year. Finding the ingredients for traditional dishes like turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie has been an adventure. Some items were easy to find in local markets, while others required creative substitutions. Fresh pumpkins from a Romanian farm will stand in for canned pumpkin, and cranberries may be swapped for a local berry compote.
Instead of seeing these changes as compromises, I see them as ways to blend cultures and create a meal representing both my American and Romanian home. My Thanksgiving table will include Romanian touches alongside the American classics. I look forward to seeing how these flavors combine to create something new and meaningful.
Anticipating Connections
What excites me most about tomorrow’s celebration is the chance to share this memorable holiday with my Romanian family. Some may be experiencing Thanksgiving for the first time, and I am eager to explain its history and significance. It is not just about the food; it is about gathering together to reflect on what we are grateful for.
I am also curious to hear their stories of gratitude and learn more about Romanian traditions of celebration and reflection. For example, Saint Andrew’s Day on November 30, a day honoring Romania’s patron saint and steeped in folklore and customs, offers a fascinating parallel. Sharing traditions, stories, and laughter around the table will remind me of the universal importance of gratitude and connection and how cultures honor their heritage.
Gratitude for This Unique Journey
Preparing for Thanksgiving, I reflect on all I am grateful for this year. Living in Romania as a Fulbright grantee has been a transformative experience, filled with challenges, learning, and growth. From the natural beauty of the Danube Delta to the warmth of the people I have met, Romania has given me so much to appreciate.
I am also thankful for the technology that allows me to stay connected to friends back in the U.S., even as I celebrate from across the ocean. Knowing they will gather around their tables as I gather around mine brings a sense of shared experience that spans the miles.
Looking Ahead
This year’s Thanksgiving will be different from any I have celebrated before, but I know it will be special in its own way. It is a chance to embrace change, celebrate new traditions, and deepen connections with the people around me.
As I set the table and prepare the meal, I will remind myself that Thanksgiving is not defined by where or how you celebrate but by the spirit of gratitude that brings people together. Wherever you are this Thanksgiving, I hope you find moments of connection, reflection, and joy.
What are you thankful for?