Even as we draw near to Thanksgiving, I face the yearly question I ask myself. What does Thanksgiving mean to me? I feel no particular connection to the Indians or the Pilgrims even though it is very much a part of the history of America. Yet, I am thankful for all that my adopted country, America has given me. It is a time when I love having my family and dear friends around the table. We usually go around in turns expressing our gratitude.
So, how do I celebrate this American tradition? I figure I would join in and put my own stamp on it. Now, my taste buds are not daring enough for Tandoori Turkeys although I have attended Thanksgiving dinners where the gobbler was marinated in a spicy Tandoori marinade.
A traditional turkey with its trimmings is a standard with most Americans. However, many immigrant families choose to weave in their native cultures in the form of food or décor.
So without further ado, let’s get into the things a new immigrant can do to integrate into American culture on this national holiday.
Host Dinner or Feed the Homeless
Decide if you want to host a dinner or not. There is no compulsion to do so. I know of people who choose instead to go feed the homeless at a soup kitchen. There are many soup kitchens around the cities that feed the homeless on holidays. That has to be fulfilling! What better way to give thanks than by giving back.
Invitations
I particularly like to invite people who do not have family in the US. The holiday season can get pretty lonely and depressing without family to share in the festivities. Many people who have come here to work leave their families behind. Thanksgiving is a great time to introduce them to this great holiday tradition.
Inviting singles too is fun! Mixing crowds can be quite entertaining. Think of family politics that has to be kept in check when there are non-family members at the table.
Thanksgiving Appetizers
The purist may have a problem with this but, you do not have to do the whole turkey, stuffing bit. I have often cooked a roasted chicken instead. Add items from your heritage to the dinner table. For example, I would add samosas to the appetizer menu. Or a cranberry chutney for a little exotic flavor.
I try not to compromise on the trimmings! That is one of my favorite parts of the holiday dinner. Epicurious has a great Indian Thanksgiving Menu for the adventurous of heart.
One year I followed a little booklet that was given out by Williams Sonoma. This booklet outlined when to start shopping for each item on the Thanksgiving table as well as how to prepare each item. The menu literally went from soup to nuts.
Thanksgiving Dessert Menu
Add a native surprise to the dessert menu. My favorite dessert is gulab jamuns which are an easy addition to the dessert menu. Adding a tropical fruit such as mango or banana to the dessert menu in the form of a topping on ice cream is also a great idea!
Integrate Culture in Decor
There are many ways to introduce your native heritage to the Thanksgiving table. I like using an Indian-themed table runner from Amazon with warm festive colors.
From Soup to Nuts
These gorgeous pumpkin soup bowls add a nice touch of elegance to the table. The lid keeps the soup warm for your guests as they come in from the cold.
These matching plates will also add a little flair to your menu! I am always in favor of a white and gold theme for the holidays.
After Dinner Activities
While the football fans watch the game, bring in some nostalgia for your birthplace by playing a game typical of the region. For example, in India people love to play carrom which is a board game except it is sort of like pool with little disks.
Being Thankful
This holiday unlike any other, brings together people from different religions, cultures, and ethnicities to gather together and celebrate being thankful. It is as simple as that.
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