Thanksgiving in Sweden

I knew that Thanksgiving would be a tough time to be away from home. I couldn’t decide if I would miss the food, friends or family more. Luckily, I was still able to focus on everything that I am thankful for in my life in Sweden.

1. I AM ABLE TO BE HERE: Not only is teaching internationally a unique opportunity, but it has allowed to live and travel in Europe. Seeing more of the world has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember and although this move has not entirely satisfied that, it has made me feel more fulfilled.
2. I still have an amazing connection with the people who are most important to me back at home. I talk to my family and best friends on a daily basis and that makes the distance feel so much smaller.
3. I have made a family of my own with my friends in Sweden.
4. My students, their families, and my colleagues show interest and care for me that makes me feel like my hard work is acknowledged.

I spent the actual Thursday night of Thanksgiving being treated to a dinner by a kind family. One of my mentor students at the beginning of the year unfortunately had to switched schools in October and I was really sad that I would not continue my relationship with him. However, his family and I kept in contact via email and they extended an invite to their Thanksgiving dinner with them. This family had spent 5 years living in New Jersey where they were exposed to full-on Thanksgiving traditions that they wanted to continue with their children now that they are back living in Sweden. They made a reservation at Marcus Samuelsson’s Kitchen & Table that had a set, special Thanksgiving menu. The meal included a pumpkin & pork soup, turkey served with cranberry sauce, brussel sprouts, green beans, and mashed sweet potatoes, and an apple sorbet dessert. The food was delicious, but the company was even better. I was able to hear the family recount some of their experiences in America that reminded me of home, and tell me about some Swedish customs I was unfamiliar with. The whole family included me and made me feel so warm. It was such a thoughtful invite and special way for me to celebrate Thanksgiving in my home away from home.

The next day, Friday, the school that I teach at hosted a staff Thanksgiving dinner where everyone contributed a food item and feasted together! Foods included traditional American foods like my favorite stuffing, sweet potato casserole, pumpkin pie, mixed in with dishes from other countries like India, Sweden, the UK, etc. Our school also paid for the turkey and beverages. This event was well organized and executed, and it made me feel really appreciated.

It was my first Thanksgiving away from home, but for that reason it made all of the new ways of celebrating and expressing thanks feel so much more special.