No Thanksgiving here
By Alis
@sh00tinstar (13)
Venice, Italy
November 26, 2020 1:06pm CST
As an Italian, I've always wondered what was it like to celebrate Thanksgiving.
Last year, one of my uni mates from Chicago invited me and some other fellas at her's. She cooked us turkey, smashed potatoes and a giant pie. We celebrated it in a very italian style, way too much wine I'd say.
She did it cause she was missing her family, and she treated us like we were one.
But I'm still asking myself, what's the meaning of this festivity?
I just know historical facts, so may I ask what does it mean to you?
17 people like this
16 responses
@MALUSE (69390)
• Germany
26 Nov 20
@sh00tinstar @Cheyee (from the net) "The holiday commemorates a harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrim Fathers (the first settlers in America) in 1621, and is held in the US on the fourth Thursday in November. A similar holiday is held in Canada, usually on the second Monday in October."
4 people like this
@CarolDM (203449)
• Nashville, Tennessee
26 Nov 20
Welcome. This holiday means being thankful. Our family used to all gather together, sort of like a family reunion. All gone now, but I have good memories. And this year is different since many are in lockdown. Hopefully next year will be better.
2 people like this
@sh00tinstar (13)
• Venice, Italy
26 Nov 20
Thank you.
Hope you'll get to see your family soon!
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
26 Nov 20
For me it's about family, friends and good food. I don't think many people really celebrate it for it's historical significance anymore.
2 people like this
@sh00tinstar (13)
• Venice, Italy
26 Nov 20
I see.It's all about staying with your closest people and share good moments basically. Hope you're having a good one there x
1 person likes this
@MALUSE (69390)
• Germany
26 Nov 20
Benvenuta! Sei il secondo membro italiano qui.
Thanksgiving is a typical North American festivity. It can't be celebrated anywhere else because it is based on historical facts. It has no meaning anywhere else in the world.
From the net, "The holiday commemorates a harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrim Fathers in 1621, and is held in the US on the fourth Thursday in November. A similar holiday is held in Canada, usually on the second Monday in October."
2 people like this
@cperry2 (5608)
• Newport, Oregon
26 Nov 20
for me, it means getting together with those closest to my heart, enjoying each other's company, and giving thanks for all that we have (even when we might have very little) At dinner, each person present tells everyone one thing we are thankful for.
1 person likes this
@cperry2 (5608)
• Newport, Oregon
26 Nov 20
@sh00tinstar in our lives we rarely get to see each other when things are going good in the world. My daughters live ten hours drive to our south, and my son lives 3000 miles away on the opposite coast of the US. So when we all get together it is a few days of catching up, sharing accomplishments, and offering help where it's asked for.
It is so sad that this year, that we cannot do it at all. It is the first time in my life I have not been with the family for Thanksgiving. We will visit for a little bit on Zoom later this evening.
1 person likes this
@sh00tinstar (13)
• Venice, Italy
26 Nov 20
if I were present I'd get emotional, for sure. It sounds so genuine, and just the fact of being together is a blessing!
2 people like this
@sh00tinstar (13)
• Venice, Italy
26 Nov 20
@cperry2 I really feel this.
I'm studying/working away from my family. This year I got to stay with them for a total of 11 days (not even consecutive) and some of them really struggled with their mental and physical health because of covid.
Giving each other emotional support has become so hard thanks to distance and discourage, but it's all we have. And I think that, even if it makes us sad eventually, it's still a way to make us feel close. Let's be thankful to have internet access today, tomorrow we'll be for something better.
I hope your video call, even if it's a 15 mins one, will fill your day with joy.
2 people like this
@CookieMonster46 (13447)
• United States
26 Nov 20
When I was a kid, it meant getting together with all the relatives and enjoy family. Back then I didn't ever think that the day would come where most of the family would not longer be with us, How i long for those days, but will have great memories.
It is still family time, but this year will only be with my daughter, because most everyone else is passed away, friends and cousins can't come because of this virus.
@sh00tinstar (13)
• Venice, Italy
26 Nov 20
Memories allow people to stay alive, so keep them in your heart always.
I wish you and all of your family members happiness, stay positive and give all your positive energy and love to your daughter. So that she'll make a good memory of it, regardless of everything, too. x
1 person likes this
@yoalldudes (35040)
• Philippines
27 Nov 20
There is also no Thanksgiving here in Philippines. Christmas and New Year is huge here though.
@Cheyee (8362)
• Pakanbaru, Indonesia
26 Nov 20
We don't celebrate it either. But from what I read, it's about being thankful, family, gathering and good food
@Cheyee (8362)
• Pakanbaru, Indonesia
26 Nov 20
@sh00tinstar mostly Moslem's big day. But there are also holiday for other religions big day
@aliarslan007 (8)
•
27 Nov 20
It is not something that is celebrated in my home country, Pakistan. But they made it look cool in 'Friends'. A fun get-together, I'd say.
@Duskysayshello (108)
• India
1 Dec 20
@sh00tinstar it started with giving thanks and sacrifice for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year. It represents gratification towards everything you have in your life.
