When I think of this holiday, I usually think of mouthwatering smells, the unmistakable warmth that spreads from the kitchen, the set up of fine dinnerware, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade , and (if you’re like me) A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Pre-Korea, my day usually consisted of picking up last-minute side dishes, rushing to get everything done and ready before guests would arrive, dressing up in a comfortable yet decent outfit, and hiding my excitement for cranberry sauce and Pumpkin pie. My reality, however, has been the opposite of all of the above.
Thanksgiving for expats like myself can be either something tricky to navigate or something very lonely. If you’re lucky and have friends that also celebrate the holiday, you’ll be surrounded by a new sort of family and filling up on potluck dishes. I, unfortunately, have not had that luck in any of my 5 years in Korea. I was reminded this morning by my friend, Deysi, that she was here with me in my first year (2017) and we had McDonald’s as our “Thanksgiving meal.” That was the last time I did anything for the holiday. Today, 2021, I ate stove top ramen with cabbage and onions, an egg, and two sausages. Due to his overnight business trip, Jay is elsewhere and I remained in the company of cold air and silence.
Maybe I didn’t get to enjoy cornbread and turkey today, but that’s okay. A year from now, I will be surrounded by my family and eating my heart out. Rather than dwelling on what I am missing out on, I am choosing to reflect on what I am thankful for instead.
I am thankful for
my health, my family and friends, the amount of love and support I have, my struggles and successes, the person I am today, being alive, the privilege of a roof over my head and daily bread, snacks, my bed, the restaurant owner that has allowed me to pet her dog at any time, and above all my husband who has been the most incredible human being.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones!