Thanksgiving Far Away

It’s thanksgiving, and three weeks exactly since I arrived in New Zealand. It’s my first time without my family on this holiday, and I’m in a country where most people haven’t even heard of it. Settling into my new flat has been going well, and I’m working my second shift at a downtown café later this afternoon. Things are all going according to plan, but I do wonder if I should have delayed my trip by a few weeks. This is a slippery slope of course, stay for thanksgiving and maybe you should just stay for Christmas. If you’re there for winter already you might as well wait until after Easter, etc. I know I’ll be back for the next one, but it’s impossible not to miss the people and places that make up my home.

I’m of course trying to force a little bit of the holiday down my flatmate’s throats; in the form of pie, naturally. They were happy to try a bit, even though it certainly didn’t measure up to my family’s usual fare. I even had to explain the concept a bit. Fruit pies exist here, but are far less common than their savory counterparts. My pie was mediocre; a good filling but let down by store-bought crust and improper bakeware. I wasn’t bothered though. I got to have a slice with my new flatmates, and to think about just how lucky I am to have the opportunity to make this pie in the first place.

My attempt at a pie. Looks better than it tasted unfortunately.

Dessert is special to my family, and to a lot of people around the world. Staying around the table after dinner; with tea and squares, is highly ritualistic. Someone makes the tea (hopefully Charlotte if she’s around. She makes it best) while other people clear the table and grab some sweets. Everyone talks and jokes, the youngest children are interrogated about their day, and the adults decide if there’s enough energy left to play cards. I love all of those evenings, but the most special ones are during thanksgiving and Christmas. And those special days are also when there’s most likely pie.

The beautiful colours of Cape Breton that I'm missing.

Pie for me is not just a dessert, but a reminder of the most peaceful and joyful times. During thanksgiving my grandfather would always ask us what we were thankful for, and we’d go around the table. Family was always near the top of the list, whether that was being together again or someone making it to dinner who hadn’t been able to in a while. Then there was the land; we would be thankful for the beautiful lake, the technicolour autumn trees, and the delicious food. Pie, Ice cream, and tea is one of the strongest reminders for me to be thankful of what I have.

Beautiful sunset for thanksgiving, close enough to the colours I'm missing

And I certainly do have a lot to be thankful for. I'm able to go on a trip like this not only because I’ve been planning and saving for a long time, but because I’ve been incredibly; extremely, lucky. And behind that opportunity is a laundry list of people who helped me. Some of my teachers and classmates; who helped me finish my degree, Bosses and coworkers who helped me learn and improve, and friends who motivated me to go on an adventure. Of course I am most thankful for my family, who are giving me an overwhelming amount of support in this decision. You’re probably among at least one of those categories if you’re reading this. Thank you.