Even though I'm not American, I'll be celebrating Thanksgiving this year! As I am from England, I've never celebrated it before, but tomorrow I'm going to have a big Thanksgiving meal with friends, which I'm really looking forward to. Thanksgiving is an American tradition which, this year, was on the 27th of November.
Thanksgiving has been an American tradition since 1863, and was began by President Abraham Lincoln. It is always celebrated on the last Thursday of November, and it is said that the Pilgrims were the first people to eat Thanksgiving dinner after their first harvest. Turkey is traditionally eaten on Thanksgiving, which is why it is also known as 'Turkey Day'! On this day, Americans also eat seasonal vegetables such as squash, potatoes and sweetcorn, and eat pies for dessert.
Although writing this is making me very hungry, the food isn't the most important part of Thanksgiving! If it was, it would have a very different title. As its name would suggest, on this day Americans think about what they are thankful for in their lives – new opportunities, friends, family or something else completely different!
This year, I am thankful for the chance I have been given to do this year abroad. Before coming to Dortmund, which is in the north-west of Germany, I did not have much knowledge of the world. But now I have the chance to see a whole new aspect of life and I'm having a great time! I have a great job teaching English to children, lovely friends, a great roommate and of course everybody back home – my friends, family and boyfriend. They have been here for me even though they are so many miles away. I've already had so many incredible experiences here in Germany and am looking forward to the future! I think, above all, I am thankful for being able to adapt to life here. And thankful that, on the days where adapting is hard, my family and friends are always supportive!
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Gobble gobble!
What are you thankful for this year?
