Dubai: American expats in the UAE are looking forward to gathering with family and friends around the table to celebrate the tradition of Thanksgiving on Thursday. While the holiday is deeply rooted in American culture, its themes of celebration, gratitude, and togetherness resonate with people around the world.
‘Friendsgiving’
Abu Dhabi-based Michelle Machon said that the day is about appreciating each other and celebrating the bonds of family and friendship.
“As an Irish immigrant to the US in 2000, we were introduced to Thanksgiving by our new friends at work. Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for families to get together, but they were worried about us because, as our families were overseas in Ireland and Australia. They introduced us to the concept of ‘Friendsgiving’, where friends can join families and celebrate Thanksgiving together,” she said.
Asked about her celebration plans this year, Machon noted that it’s a time to be with loved ones.
“It will be on a smaller scale than in the States, but it’s still a day to remind us to be grateful for everything we have.”
Machon pointed out that friends with whom she first celebrated Thanksgiving 24 years ago now feel like family. “I continue to celebrate Thanksgiving with them every year even if the miles separate us,” she said, pointing out how the celebration is even marked virtually.
Brings families closer
For Nate Mason and JaCorey Williams, the American duo from Dubai Basketball, Thanksgiving brings a sense of home and family through shared traditions, love, and the act of giving thanks.
“All the family would come together and meet in one place and have a big Thanksgiving dinner where we could talk, laugh and play games. It was a huge thing for me growing up and I’m sure it’s a big thing in everybody’s household in America as it brings families closer together and gives us a moment to realise what we’re thankful for,” 29-year-old Mason said.
This week, Mason, who hails from Georgia state, is looking forward to spending quality time with his newborn.
“Being away from home, Thanksgiving is always tough but with my son being born this year, I have the opportunity to be with him and family.”
Williams said Thanksgiving is a time to show appreciation for the family and friends who enrich our lives.
“It is great to show how blessed and thankful you are for the life that you live and the people that make life easier for you. What I enjoy about Thanksgiving is how families come together to share moments and memories from the year and to also share great meals together,” the 30-year-old Alabama native added.
Time to reflect
Many Canadians also celebrate the occasion. Dubai resident Patty Kennedy views Thanksgiving as a celebration of gratitude, connection, community, and tradition.
“Thanksgiving is the most precious and special of all of the holidays,” the Canadian expat said and pointed out the universal themes of gratitude and giving transcend cultures and borders.
Kennedy said the day serves as a time for reflection on life’s blessings and for strengthening bonds with family and friends.
“Last year, I celebrated Thanksgiving with a small group of friends, cooking turkey breasts, cranberry sauce and all those delicious foods that we eat, and spending time going around just asking each one of us, what are we grateful for, and what do we wish for the world as we go forward.”
This Thursday, Kennedy plans to gather with a small group of friends.
“We will sit and spend time in contemplation for all of the things that we are grateful for. We will wish for peace, happiness and justice across the world.”
