For all you Canuckleheads out there. :)
You might miss the Autumn colours, but with the sun and beaches of the Emirates I think we've all got a lot to be thankful for!
Whether you're celebrating it with turkey and cranberry sauce or Al Farouj Shwarmah and cocktail, I hope you take the time to think about how good we've got it here!
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14 comments:
"Thanksgiving", as practised in the USA, always falls on the last Thursday in November. It is essentially a Harvest Festival, dating back to the seventeenth century. No, it is not a Hallmark Holiday.
I confess to being a little confused as to why the post appears in early October. Is there a different Thanksgiving that I don't know about?
Its for the Canucks. As always, they've got things misplaced.
Not misplaced . . . just think about the geography . . . harvest is earlier in the north. From a holiday standpoint it works out better too as there is a bit more space between it and Christmas.
The fact that it is not a Hallmark holiday does make it nicer as there is not so much commercial hoopla in the stores and it really is just about getting together with family and friends. Of course this makes it hard for those of us living so far away. Two slim slices of turkey breast on a styrofoam tray just looked so sad when I bought them! :(
BTW Al Sinjab - thanks for the greetings!
canada,eh?
Thanksgiving is a way for us to pretend the North American "founding fathers" were friends with Native Americans instead of slaughterers of them.
It has become a time for friends and family to get together, eat a lot, and give thanks for what they got.
And a time for all the oldies to play touch football in the back yard and sprain wrists and ankles (Thanksgiving evening is very busy at the emergency room).
I'm so compelled to comment here: what does thanksgiving have to do with the UAE community blog? dare I fathom? Previously a "brawl" erupted when other topics pertaining to the uae but of islamic nature were posted, and yet this post is ok? I ponder why, in hindsight, I don't.
Hot Lemon& Honey, would like to hear from you.
p.s.: no ill wishes. just thoughts, after all they come at no charge.
LOL proud.
I guess its more relevant than "the culture of void" in thier perspective.
Happy thanksgiving.
Proud - To me, as someone who's grown up in the UAE, one of the greatest things about this country is how we share our different cultures. The idea of sharing a holiday greeting fits the idea of a community blog.
I don't know about the 'brawl' but perhaps I should mention that Thanksgiving is a secular holiday, and in Canada it is not related to a specific historical event or race relations. Perhaps the Islamic posting was a more contentious one?
Finally, if you can wish a Merry Christmas or Ramadan Kareem then why not Thanksgiving? It is a Canadian holiday but it's nice to take a day to be grateful. On the UAE blog it may also serve as a reminder that our different cultures celebrate the same fundamental values - gratitude, generosity, friends, and family.
ps. I've never heard of someone receiving a Thanksgiving card - definatly not a Hallmark Holiday, let's hope they don't catch on.
oh al sinjab, forgive me atrocities and homour me, why is it when it comes to other cultures respect is demanded from us, but when our culture, value and religion in teh uae are raised all hell break. Escapes me why.
I, however, will always be civil to others and respect their cultures, and tolerate them, not for anthing, but because Islam orders me to. I will also refrain from endlessly reminding others that I grew up in this country.
HLH: sorry but I dont celebrate thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving or not, i think every country has its advantages and disadvantages..opinions differ and we must agree to disagree. I lived in the UAE for 26 yrs..and I emigrated to Canada 3 months ago. I miss only a few things in the UAE, namely, my friends & VERY few of the amenities. I do NOT miss the traffic, the insolence of various folks on the roads, the double standards depending upon ones ethnicity/race/nationality, the way any man would try to pick you up no matter where you may be or how you are dressed, the sky rocketing prices, rents, etc. where you cannot turn to the government for any assistance or understanding, the list goes on. For me its my first winter in Canada and I am sure it will be a learning experience BUT in less than 6 months I feel truly settled here. I find the Canadians friendly, helpful and polite people. I have NO regrets moving here and I am glad I have..but then again, thats my opinion and you don't have to agree with it :)
Curiosity...only time will tell..stil too soon
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