Celebrating Expat Holidays

Living abroad in strange but marvelous countries can be a terrific adventure and I would highly recommend it to anyone. You get to see the world from a different perspective, learn a new way of life, indulge in cuisine that you’ve never had before, practice different languages, learn new skills, see how your country is viewed from an outside perspective, meet people that you would never have dreamed of meeting and learn that in some ways we’re all the same.

I have lived outside of the U.S. for almost 15 years from Bulgaria to Taiwan to Australia and now Japan.  Something that I learned from my first year in the Peace Corps was that holidays are IMPORTANT, and they should be celebrated. When you are by yourself in a strange place, with no close friends or family around, it can be difficult to feel the spirit of holidays. It is not too different from this year with COVID-19. We are in a way disconnected from our families and friends. Besides the physical connection, we have to figure out other ways to enjoy holidays whether far or near, single or married and with or without families. 

Everyone has their own unique way of celebrating holidays. Some people listen to music, sing songs, dance, party, combine holidays, and ultimately, we all do whatever makes us feel the spirit as long as it is there. What works for me might not work for everyone but for me it is all about the food. Food is a major part of celebrating holidays. It does not matter if I am alone in an unknown destination or celebrating with a group of people, there is always food. Food can bring people together and it can fill the soul.

In Bulgaria, on St. George’s day it is customary to slaughter and eat a whole lamb. In Taiwan, people BBQ and eat mooncake during the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. In America, people feast on turkey, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, and other side dishes for Thanksgiving. All these bring a sense of comradery when celebrating and feasting together. We all have to eat, and it is always best to do it with a group of people, especially when they all help to create the best foods and share their dishes. 

Meals are better when they are shared and celebrating holidays is more fun with others. It is also a great way to exchange cultural traditions. What if there was no one to share food with? It can still bring a sense of nostalgia that warms the heart. I have personally bought a whole grilled chicken before, pretended it was a turkey, and proceeded to eat it by myself on Thanksgiving. There was also a time when I celebrated the 4th of July by myself and ate everything American that I could find.

There is something exciting when you can find food from your country such as zongji (sticky rice dumpling) and chun juan (spring roll) to celebrate Dragon Boat Festival. It might not taste nearly as good as the original, but it is a simple and a rewarding treat.

Our situation during COVID times may distance us from one another but no matter where you are, you can still celebrate in one way, form or fashion. 

Eat and be merry!

Written by:

Kai Chang (Petals Class)