Thanksgiving in the Middle East

Well, it's been six years since our first Thanksgiving overseas.  I love that no matter where you are in the world, there are other Americans to gather with to make it a special holiday.

Another treat was that my kids got out of school on Thanksgiving Day.  They attend a school that has "American" in the title, so they were the only kids in the city with a holiday.  Kylie was sick, and Keira was recovering from her recent illness, so I took Karis and Caleb to the movies.

Our family celebrated the "food part" the next day (Friday) when all the other American kids were off.  But, of course, we're always off on Fridays because it is the Sabbath here.

A couple from a fellowship in Texas came to visit a single lady from their membership, and they brought little happies for everyone PLUS real Thanksgiving/Fall decorations!  It was so much nicer than anything I would have ever done!

The kids went through the line first.

The spread had rotisserie chicken instead of turkey, and the only local food was a pile of naan (flat bread) on the table. 

We played a rousing game of Thanksgiving trivia.

What year did the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade begin?
What character was the first inflatable in the parade?
Which two football teams play a game each year on Thanksgiving?
What is a scripture that talks about "thanks"?
ETC.

After dinner, we all went to the second floor for dessert.

Pumpkin rolls, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, mousse cups, lemon custard cups, red velvet crinkle cookeis, cheese cake, etc.  A lot of people went to a lot of trouble making these homemade goodies.  I know one lady was cleaning out and cooking pumpkins a month ago in preparation. 

I, on the other hand, bought pumpkins a month ago so we could have some fall-ish decorations.

Each kid had the freedom to do as they chose.

Karis on the left (she loves drawing emojis); and Kylie on the right.

Keira on the left (I drew the face, and she completed the look); and Caleb on the right (he never got around to decorating his, so I took the liberty for painting it for him ;)

I hope the cooler temperatures are coming your way, and I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving.

Can you believe it's December already?




There is no sign of Christmas here. 

No decorations.

No commercials.

No red and green.

No lights. 

No trees.

No music in the stores.

No hint that the celebration is near.

Much like Bethlehem 2000 years ago.