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My First Thanksgiving in Italy: Bringing the Feast to Our Home Last November, I had the special privilege of hosting Thanksgiving for my wife, my mother-in-law, my sisters-in-law, and my brothers-in-law—an incredible group of people who had never celebrated American Thanksgiving before. Being the only American in the house and a former chef, I took the reins in the kitchen, whipping up the traditional turkey, stuffing, gravy, and all the classic fixings. My wife gave me a “little” help here and there, but it was something I was truly excited to arrange. After the feast, we shared a special Thanksgiving tradition—playing Alice’s Restaurant by Arlo Guthrie. Introducing this quirky, classic American tune to my Italian family brought a lot of laughter and really captured the spirit of the holiday in a fun, heartfelt way. One of my sisters-in-law even seemed to know the story, which was a nice surprise. This year, our gathering might be a bit smaller, as not everyone can be here due to other obligations. Rosa, Momma, and I will be there to carry on the tradition. We’ll see how the day unfolds, but I know the spirit of Thanksgiving will be alive regardless. I looked back at the few pictures from last year—when we had just moved into our place—and seeing everyone gathered was heartwarming. Having previously visited each of the in-laws’ houses for Easter and Christmas, this was our chance to start a new tradition. Seeing my Italian family around the table, sharing this American tradition with curiosity and warmth, reminded me that Thanksgiving is more than a meal—it’s about bringing people together and sharing gratitude regardless of where you come from. In truth, this is something I had not always experienced in my life, so having this experience is extremely important to me.  My Italian family at our first Thanksgiving together The Story Behind Thanksgiving (Maybe you know this, maybe you don’t, so here’s a little history for you.) Thanksgiving traces back to the early 1600s, when Pilgrims and Native Americans came together to celebrate the colony’s first successful harvest. It evolved through the centuries into a symbol of gratitude and unity. But did you know the official establishment of Thanksgiving as a national holiday is relatively recent? In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November as a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise,” hoping to unite a divided country during the Civil War. Interestingly, Thanksgiving has had some notable moments on the day itself. For example, on Thanksgiving Day 1920, the first practical radio broadcast of a live sporting event was aired—a football game between Princeton University and the University of Chicago. In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt controversially moved Thanksgiving one week earlier to extend the holiday shopping season, a change met with resistance and later corrected. Another fascinating Thanksgiving Day tradition is NFL football, which started in 1934 and has become a beloved part of the holiday for millions. If you're overseas, including here in Rome, many bars show the games to bring that festive American spirit abroad. The NFL seems to have a following in Italy and around the world, especially during Super Bowl season, but that’s not for a few more months. Thanksgiving Around the World While American Thanksgiving gets most of the spotlight, other countries have their own harvest or gratitude celebrations. Canada, for instance, observes Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October, rooted in similar harvest festivals but distinct in timing and tradition. Other countries, from Liberia to Germany, also hold festivals giving thanks for the bounty of the year, reflecting the universal theme of gratitude. From Thanksgiving to Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Beyond Of course, for many, the day after Thanksgiving is almost as famous—the infamous Black Friday shopping frenzy. What started as a way for retailers in the U.S. to move “into the black” financially with holiday sales has now expanded globally, becoming a major retail event worldwide. Many countries, even those without a Thanksgiving tradition, have adopted Black Friday sales as part of their retail calendar—often unaware of its American holiday origins. Building on Black Friday’s success, Cyber Monday was introduced in 2005 as an online shopping counterpart, encouraging consumers to shop on the Monday following Thanksgiving. It quickly became a massive event, offering exclusive online deals and extending the holiday shopping season into a week-long retail extravaganza. Together, Black Friday and Cyber Monday mark the official start of the holiday shopping rush and have become central to the commercial side of the season worldwide. From the meaningful meal to bustling shopping deals and thrilling football games, Thanksgiving’s influence stretches far beyond just one day, weaving into cultures worldwide in surprising ways. 🦃🌍 Handy Guide for Expats Celebrating Thanksgiving Abroad 🌍🦃 Celebrating Thanksgiving away from home can feel bittersweet—but it’s also a wonderful chance to create new traditions, connect with friends, and embrace gratitude wherever you are. Here are some tips for making the most of Thanksgiving abroad: Plan Your Feast: Traditional or Local Twist? Source ingredients from international grocery stores or adapt recipes with local produce. Combine your American dishes with local specialties for a unique fusion meal. Consider a potluck where everyone brings a dish — a great way to share cultures and lighten the cooking load. Connect with the Expat Community Look for local expat events or restaurants hosting Thanksgiving dinners. Use social media and expat forums to find gatherings and swap recipes. Share Your Traditions Introduce non-American friends or family to classic Thanksgiving customs like the Macy's Parade (available online), NFL games, or Thanksgiving songs—including iconic tunes like Alice’s Restaurant to add some festive fun. Embrace Gratitude Beyond the Feast Reflect on what you are thankful for, volunteer locally, or connect virtually with loved ones back home. Send gratitude notes or share stories across time zones. Join the Black Friday Buzz Check if local retailers or online stores hold Black Friday sales—many countries now embrace this retail tradition, often unaware of its Thanksgiving origins. 🌎✨ Personalized Travel Ideas for Thanksgiving and Beyond ✨🌎 Looking for a unique way to celebrate Thanksgiving or turn the holiday season into a travel adventure? Here are some handpicked ideas that resonate with gratitude, culture, and connection—perfect for making your holiday memorable: Fall Foliage & Thanksgiving in New England, USA Enjoy vibrant autumn colors, quaint towns, and traditional Thanksgiving dinners at charming inns in Vermont, Massachusetts, or Maine. Canadian Thanksgiving with a Twist Experience a harvest celebration in early October in Toronto, Quebec City, or the Niagara region, blending cultural charm with festive spirit. Historic Pilgrim Trail, Massachusetts Explore the origins of Thanksgiving at Plymouth Rock, Plimoth Plantation, and Boston for a meaningful history-filled trip. Italy Thanksgiving Reimagined Inspired by my story? Enjoy a Thanksgiving escape to Rome or Tuscany featuring iconic American dishes with an Italian touch, plus cooking classes and cultural exchange. Christmas Markets & Holiday Festivals in Europe Extend the holiday magic by exploring festive cities like Vienna, Prague, and Strasbourg post-Thanksgiving, soaking in lights, crafts, and holiday foods. Warm-Weather Thanksgiving: Caribbean or Mexico Relax on sunny beaches in Cancun, Jamaica, or the Bahamas, combining resort comfort with special Thanksgiving dinners. Volunteer or Give Back Travel Engage in meaningful travel focused on community service or conservation projects—a powerful way to express gratitude. While these events and travel moments may have passed for this year, the focus remains on American Thanksgiving. At Wandering Puffin LLC, we can help arrange your travel to destinations with strong Thanksgiving or holiday traditions—just like our blog post last week on Christmas Markets. Whether reconnecting with cherished customs or exploring new ones abroad, let Wandering Puffin create your perfect holiday adventure.
I’m thankful to share these moments and stories with you, and I’m grateful for this amazing journey of travel and discovery that brings so many cultures together. Wherever you are this Thanksgiving, may your day be filled with joy, warmth, and plenty of reasons to be thankful. Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving! — Jamie at Wandering Puffin LLC Travel is an Adventure, Experience it!
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