Thanksgiving week always brings that little pulling feeling that no matter how great things are in the UK (or where ever I am) that part of me will always be in the USA.
This year (2025) marks my 15th Thanksgiving away from home. Over the years I have spent this holiday in Australia, France, and the UK. Each location has brought it’s own challenges whether that was roasting a pumpkin in Oz to make pie or spending it isolated with just our little family in France during covid. I spent the first 22 years of my life simply showing up at this event year in and year out and the last 15 building new traditions for my family. We try to discuss it with our kids, watch bits of the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade and above all else remember the whole reason for the day is that everyone and anyone can celebrate a day to just be thankful. Thankful for family, friends, food and health.
Over the last few years I bring pie into work and remind people that anyone can participate. What a lovely way to stop and reflect before the crazy Christmas season begins.
So this year I was a little homesick but then I stopped and remembered home is where the heart is. As silly and cliche as that sounds I am Thankful for the life we have built and our beautiful family. So this year I was home for Thanksgiving and we had a wonderful weekend celebrating (even though the Xmas decorations were already up because we are chalkers the next 2 week).
The elves have arrived with a Christmas book parade today and now we get ready for all the chaos the will cause over the next month!
Wade Across The Pond 