One of the hardest parts of living away from the U.S. is being so far away from family on holidays. It can be hard at any time of the year but especially difficult on festive occasions. Thanksgiving is a family day and I grew up celebrating with big family dinners and spending time with cousins and grandparents. We would eat mid afternoon and have leftovers for dinner later in the day with snacking throughout. We’d play games and just enjoy each other’s company. There was, of course, pumpkin pie and turkey and all the traditional fare! When my kids were younger and we were living in the U.S., we would wake up, turn on the parade and start getting ready for a day of baking and cooking! Some years we would go have a feast with grandparents. I miss waking up and watching the parade. I’m extremely thankful for chatting by video but it just isn’t the same as being there. 

This Thanksgiving my kids are at school and it seems strange to me that they won’t be home all day. I am saving the job of making cranberry sauce for my daughter when she gets home. It has become a tradition and she enjoys being in charge of one of her favorite Thanksgiving dishes. She also enjoys setting the table and folding napkins to look like turkeys. 

The wonderful thing about Ireland is being able to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal. There are several restaurants here that serve a Thanksgiving menu and bakeries that have pumpkin pie. My husband found a big turkey and I picked up fresh cranberries. I bought canned pumpkin a month or so ago and even though it is harder to find, it is available.  I realize it would be harder in many other places in the world. Even though we won’t be in the U.S., I am determined for my kids to have turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cornbread and pumpkin pie. Wherever in the world we may find ourselves I try to give them as much of the tradition as I can squeeze in. My husband and I cook the meal together and it is a piece of home we can enjoy here. 

I hope that our family and friends back home know that we are missing them from across the miles and thinking of them. If you are fortunate to be surrounded by family this year, give them hugs and enjoy every minute together! Enjoy the parade for me too! Happy Thanksgiving!