For the past three decades, I’ve celebrated Thanksgiving outside the U.S. – in countries such as France, Germany, Poland, Taiwan, China, Thailand, and now Singapore. 🌏
And along the way, there have been some very memorable (and funny) moments.
⚫ Like the year I tried to fit a very large turkey into a small Polish oven. The turkey won.
⚫ Or the time I attempted homemade cranberry sauce because the canned kind didn’t exist where I lived… Let’s just say it was not my finest culinary hour. 😄
⚫ And yes, back in the old days, we even imported American football games on VHS tapes so we could watch them “on the day” and feel a little closer to home.
But what I enjoy most is how Thanksgiving has evolved into a beautiful, multicultural gathering no matter where we are.
Our Thanksgiving tables have included clients, friends, and family from all over the world – each person bringing their own traditions, stories, and curiosity. Guests enjoy trying traditional American Thanksgiving foods (even when pumpkin pie tastes sliiiiightly different due to improvised ingredients!).
But a few things always stay the same: fun, connection, shared food, and genuine gratitude.❤️ Gratitude is universal – it needs no translation.
Celebrating abroad has also taught me a gentle leadership reminder: Adapt the details – the date, the ingredients, even the football replay format – but keep the meaning at the center.
A Happy Thanksgiving to all – no matter where you are living!
👉 Any funny holiday “fails” you’re willing to share? (Please tell me I’m not alone!)
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