Rekindling Thanksgiving in Indonesia

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Fans of that popular sitcom Friends would probably know what a big deal the celebration of Thanksgiving is for many Americans.

Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, is indeed a quintessentially American holiday. Highlighted by stuffed turkey as the main meal, families gather to express their gratitude, usually to God.

Some historians have pointed to the 17th century when the pilgrims celebrated the bountiful harvest, as the origins of the celebration, but others refer to the time when European colonists landed in the land of what would eventually become the United States on the 4th of December, 1619.

Every year, Americans living in Indonesia try to recreate the Thanksgiving atmosphere, as revealed in the popular Indonesian expat web site, www.expat.or.id/info/xmas.html.

Here are some of the facts and tips in re-living Thanksgiving in Indonesia according to this website: * Buy turkeys and cranberry sauce at Caswell's and Kem Chicks, as well as other western-oriented supermarket chains. These stores often have limited stocks so it is best to buy items when you see them. You may also have to go to three or more different supermarkets in order to get your shopping list done. * Recreate the Thanksgiving traditions you remember from your childhood, so that your children can also experience them. Since the holiday season is not as commercialized as it is in western societies, it allows parents to stress more important aspects of the season.

It may take more effort to plan and organize events, but the end results may have a deeper meaning to the entire family. * Many U.S. expats also opt for new and different ways to celebrate Thanksgiving and create new traditions. * Many expatriates also use the holiday to give gifts and donations, which can help put their relative prosperity and expectations into perspective. * Instead of complaining about missing the holiday celebration with family, you can stay in touch by sending cards and gifts, or schedule a special family chat session on the Internet.

Or else, join with expatriate communities who have numerous activities to help the expatriate communities in general get into the holiday spirit. * Hotels and restaurants in Jakarta regularly put on sumptuous turkey buffets for Thanksgiving. Many even offer the option of cooking your holiday meal and delivering it. Look out for ads in the newspaper.