Thanksgiving Abroad: How Digital Nomads Celebrate While on the Road
Thanksgiving away from the U.S. doesn’t mean missing out on connection, gratitude, or even a feast. Living abroad, I’ve happily traded mashed potatoes and turkey gravy for Thanksgiving moments seasoned with Italian zest, French flair, or even a laid-back afternoon smoking shisha by the Dubai coast. Thanksgiving as a digital nomad or expat can be just as full of warmth and flavor—if not more—than it ever was back home. Here’s how to make this holiday an unforgettable gathering with friends from every corner of the globe.
Thanksgiving on the road has its own magic—a kind that’s vibrant, surprising, and often way more colorful than the one we grew up with. As nomads and expats, we’re used to adapting to new places, cultures, and foods, but Thanksgiving often brings up a craving for “home.” Sure, we may miss the American Turkey Day hustle and bustle, but with FaceTime, WhatsApp, and some creative thinking, we find ways to recreate that Thanksgiving spirit wherever we are.
I’ve celebrated Thanksgiving in so many places—Beijing, Shanghai, Dubai—and each one offered its own special twist. I’ve had Thanksgiving duck, Mediterranean-inspired feasts, and potlucks where every dish felt like a global postcard from each friend’s homeland. What makes these gatherings unforgettable is the way we come together like family, welcoming newcomers into this unique lifestyle and sharing laughter and gratitude in a way that feels both familiar and entirely new.
Creating a Sense of Home and Tradition
Despite the ever-changing scenery, we make a home wherever we are. Thanksgiving is all about sharing the experience, and it’s this gathering of diverse, like-minded souls that makes the holiday feel like home, even oceans away from where we grew up. It’s not just the food; it’s the little things, like decorating with makeshift fall decor, sharing stories of family Thanksgiving mishaps, and creating new inside jokes.
Here’s how digital nomads make Thanksgiving happen across borders and time zones:
1. Finding Community Abroad
Connect with Fellow Expats: Facebook, Meetup, and InterNations have expat groups worldwide. Look for local American expat groups or travelers’ networks where people share holiday plans.
Volunteer Opportunities: Many international cities host volunteer-driven Thanksgiving meals for communities in need. Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet others, give back, and create that Thanksgiving spirit in a meaningful way.
Host a Potluck: Gather people from different backgrounds to bring a dish that represents home to them. You’d be amazed at the cultural exchange that happens over stuffing and a side of Congolese peanut stew or Italian risotto!
2. Adapting Thanksgiving Recipes with Local Ingredients
Embrace the Local Twist: Can’t find turkey? No problem. Go for duck or even roast chicken! The key is keeping the spirit of Thanksgiving, not necessarily the menu.
Be Open to Fusion Flavors: In Beijing, I once swapped out cranberry sauce for a local Chinese plum chutney that was a hit. Play with locally available herbs and spices to transform classic dishes with a fresh, regional twist.
DIY Pumpkin and Pies: Can’t find canned pumpkin? Use fresh squash or local pumpkin, steam it, blend it up, and voila! Pumpkin pie. And if pie pans are nowhere to be found, grab a square dish and go rustic with “pie bars” or layered parfaits.
3. Gratitude Practices for Nomads
Virtual Gratitude Circles: Host a virtual gathering with family or friends back home where everyone can share what they’re grateful for.
Travel Journaling: Jot down moments of gratitude—those little joys that make you thankful for where you are, from witnessing breathtaking landscapes to meeting incredible people.
Intentional Solo Reflection: Sometimes, the biggest gift of living abroad is time alone. Use Thanksgiving to pause, reflect on the past year, and set intentions for what’s ahead.
4. Hosting a Virtual Thanksgiving
Plan a Virtual Toast: Even if you’re miles away, a quick video toast with family can make everyone feel closer. Pick a time that works for everyone, raise your glass, and share a few laughs.
Host a Recipe Swap: Share a recipe with your family back home and try one of theirs! Everyone cooks and shares pictures of the dishes, creating a shared meal in spirit.
Play Games Online: Thanksgiving games like trivia or “what’s in the fridge” can be hilarious and bring everyone into the Thanksgiving mood.
5. Hosting a Friendsgiving Abroad
Go Global with the Menu: The beauty of a Friendsgiving abroad is the diversity! Encourage everyone to bring a dish that represents their culture or favorite comfort food.
Set the Scene with Local Finds: Use local flowers, candles, or even fruits as a centerpiece. In France, we had Thanksgiving with a rustic autumn vibe, thanks to some wine barrels and twinkle lights.
Share Thanksgiving Stories: It’s always fun to swap holiday memories or even embarrassing family stories. It brings everyone closer and brings that Thanksgiving nostalgia wherever you are.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving on the road is a chance to be grateful for the new, the unfamiliar, and the unexpected. We’re thankful for friendships we form out of necessity but that become a family of choice. So here’s to a Thanksgiving that’s about connection, creativity, and the reminder that “home” is truly wherever you feel like you belong—even if it’s at a feast with Chinese Jaozi (Dumplings) , Argentine empanadas, and a virtual toast with your loved ones back home.
