This is one of the few Thanksgivings spent away from my family in Florida. No matter where I’ve lived, I usually fly back to Ft. Lauderdale or Jacksonville to spend the day with family. It was a little less frequent when I lived in California and of course when I spent six months in Kabul, Afghanistan. I love spending time with my family and will definitely be doing a video chat with them this Thursday.
Living away from the USA as I do now is a stark reminder that every country has their own holidays that are not always shared with other countries around the world. In Paris, they celebrate Halloween here and then start getting ready for Christmas. They do not have an intervening family holiday. Armistice Day is November 11 which is similar to Veteran’s Day in the USA but doesn’t have the same level of family gathering as Easter, Christmas, or New Years.
However, the French have adopted one American Thanksgiving tradition, “Black Friday.” Here in France, though, it goes for a week or two at the end of November instead of a couple of days around Thanksgiving. It feels very weird to see “Black Friday” sale signs plastered in all the stores. They use the English words, too, not a translation. In addition, I’ve also seen “Cyber-Monday,” in English, too. It is remarkable how much impact the US culture and economy has made on France.
Thankfulness in Paris: How I am celebrating Thanksgiving in Paris? I did put a Christmas tree (all IKEA components) since I often decorate for Christmas in November anyways. My family will be doing a video call this Thursday from where they are in the USA. In addition, I am very thankful for being in Paris: for those that were instrumental in getting me here; for those that sent me off to Paris with multiple going away parties; for those I have met and become friends with here; for the sights and sounds I am experiencing in this beautiful city.
I wish you all a happy Thanksgiving however you are celebrating this year.
Until we meet in Paris…
Talenton 