Thanksgiving Away from Home
Finding Gratitude and Belonging in Milan
For many Americans living abroad, Thanksgiving is the hardest holiday to be away from home. It’s not just the turkey or the football; it’s the feeling of togetherness, the familiar rhythm of family traditions, and the scent of pumpkin pie that pulls at our hearts. After more than two decades in Milan, I’ve learned that Thanksgiving away from home can be just as meaningful—different, yes, but filled with its own warmth, creativity, and connection.
Living in Italy has taught me that gratitude transcends geography. As much as I miss my mother’s shepherd pie, I’ve found new joy in sharing this uniquely American holiday with my Italian friends, who have become my extended family. Thanksgiving abroad becomes an opportunity to build bridges—cultural, culinary, and emotional—and to celebrate what it means to feel at home wherever you are.
Recreating Thanksgiving Abroad
Planning ahead is key. If you’re in Milan, order your turkey early. Many supermarkets such as Esselunga, Unes, or Carrefour Market will accept pre-orders, especially if you give them at least a week’s notice. Butcher shops can also source a bird if you ask in advance. For the rest of the feast, a little creativity goes a long way.
Ocean Spray’s Cranberry sauce and Stove Top’s stuffing mix can be tricky to find, but American specialty shops like American Crunch or even Amazon.it often stock these seasonal treasures. Online stores that ship from the UK or Germany also carry many Thanksgiving staples if you plan ahead. And if you can’t find Libby’s canned pumpkin pie mix, don’t despair—Italian zucca makes a delicious, fresh alternative for homemade pumpkin pie. After years of bringing back cans of Libby’s from the U.S., I’ve learned that making pumpkin pie from scratch tastes even better and feels more authentic to this new version of home.
Adding an Italian Flair
Over time, Thanksgiving in Italy has taken on its own delicious twist. Italians are natural hosts and passionate cooks, so incorporating local flavors can elevate your meal in unexpected ways. Consider a risotto with butternut squash and sage as a starter, or serve roasted chestnuts alongside your turkey. Sprinkle crushed amaretti cookies in your pumpkin soup. Replace the standard green bean casserole with fresh sautéed spinach and garlic, or drizzle extra virgin olive oil over roasted potatoes instead of the usual mashed variety.
For dessert, pumpkin pie can share the table with tiramisu or torta di nocciole. It’s a cultural exchange, one dish at a time. Your Italian guests will be fascinated by the American traditions, and you’ll find joy in seeing them discover cranberry sauce or sweet potatoes for the first time.
Staying Positive and Grateful
It’s natural to feel homesick, especially during the holidays. Thanksgiving has a way of amplifying nostalgia. But shifting focus helps—rather than what’s missing, think about what’s here. You’ve built a life abroad, embraced a new culture, and created connections that enrich your experience.
Invite friends, colleagues, and neighbors to share your Thanksgiving table. Many expats and locals alike appreciate the warmth and meaning of the holiday, even if they didn’t grow up with it. The act of gathering, giving thanks, and sharing food is universal. It reminds us that gratitude is not confined to one country or one day in November.
Creating new traditions also helps fill the emotional gap. Maybe your Thanksgiving begins with a morning walk through Parco Sempione, or ends with a stroll for gelato instead of pumpkin pie. You might toast with a glass of prosecco instead of apple cider. These small changes root your celebration in the present, blending your American spirit with the beauty of Italian life.
Living Graciously in the Host Country
Being an expat means balancing two worlds—the one you come from and the one you now call home. Living graciously means respecting local customs while sharing your own, not as a performance but as a genuine gesture of connection. Thanksgiving provides a perfect moment to express that generosity of spirit.
When you invite Italian friends to celebrate with you, explain the meaning behind each dish and the history of the holiday. Italians appreciate authenticity and storytelling. They’ll likely reciprocate by bringing a homemade dish, wine, or dessert, and soon the table will feel full of both cultures—an Italian-American blend of gratitude.
Finding Home Wherever You Are
Every Thanksgiving abroad teaches a new lesson in adaptability and appreciation. While I may still miss my family’s table in the U.S., I’m deeply grateful for the life I’ve built here—the friendships that have grown, the experiences that have shaped me, and the chance to celebrate gratitude from a broader perspective.
This holiday, I’ll light candles, set the table with care, and welcome friends from near and far. We’ll raise our glasses and give thanks—for the paths that brought us here, the people who enrich our lives, and the comfort of knowing that “home” is not one place, but the people and memories we carry with us.
Article by Amie Louie for Easy Milano
Featured image from Easy Milano’s past event, Thanksgiving Celebration
Related Article
