Rekindling Thanksgiving in Indonesia

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.