Today, my holidays are very different from the holidays of my childhood. With no local family in the New York City area and being a dual-citizen, each year is different.
Where will I spend the holidays – and – with whom?
This will be my third Thanksgiving in Italy. Obviously, Thanksgiving is an American holiday, so it is not celebrated in Italy – or even acknowledged. (although they do have Black Friday here, which always makes me laugh!).
In larger cities like Rome, where there are a more significant number of American expats, you can find Thanksgiving celebrations through various expat organizations or American churches. Some of the larger hotels that cater to Americans do offer a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
For me, as much as I miss the culinary traditions of an Italian-American Thanksgiving, the holiday is all about who I’m spending the day with.
After all, it’s about giving thanks and when it comes to the people in my life, I have been truly blessed!
I know many people are not looking forward to these gatherings. Some view them as an obligation. Others don’t get along with particular family members.
Some want to avoid the “third degree” (Why no boyfriend? When are you having a baby? etc. etc.) And then there’s the slippery slope of discussing politics!
So what should you do? Figure out what’s going to work for you and the people you care about.
If you can’t bow out completely, can you make it a more abbreviated visit, such as just coming for coffee and dessert?
Can you change the venue so you have more control over the situation? Your home? A restaurant?
Can you bring a friend so your family will be on good behavior?
Can you talk to your host about setting “ground rules” on various topics?
So taking your own needs into consideration, think about who’s attending and who you would really miss seeing if you don’t go!
I can tell you right now, I would give my right arm to have Thanksgiving dinner with my parents one more time, no matter who else was there!
Whatever you decide, try to approach the day with a positive attitude, a smile, a sense of humor and a grateful heart. We are all blessed in some way. Give thanks for that!
Be safe and have a Happy & Healthy Thanksgiving!
Fran shares the joys of her childhood Italian-American Thanksgivings: Memories from My Childhood: An Italian-American Thanksgiving
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