Thanksgiving. It’s that time of year, ladies and gentlemen.
First of all, we have this Thursday off and get to start the weekend early. If you work on Friday, then you can go ahead and stop reading this blog. Hah, just kidding. Its a great holiday to bring the family together, especially for those that have family far away, which is the case for myself.
Secondly, my parents are the only one that live in the States. Furthermore, everybody else lives in Japan, so Thanksgiving has always been quiet and small. However, this year I am spending Thanksgiving in Japan with my grandmother. She is 88 years young and living by herself. In her eyes, I am still that young kid with a “bowl” cut who loved kicking a soccer ball around. Flash forward to the present and I have a full beard around my mouth and a lot taller than her, which doesn’t say much because I’m only 5’8.
Finally, Thanksgiving in Japan is regarded as “kinro-kanshano-hi,” translated as Labor Thanksgiving. A day to give thanks for their workers. A little different from the US, but still a national holiday to give thanks. Turkey isn’t the main food to eat on Thanksgiving in Japan. Quite frankly, I am not sure what it is that people eat on this national holiday. I guess I’ll find out this year. But regardless, giving thanks is the main reason the day is celebrated.
Ultimately, I am grateful that I am able to spend time with my grandmother who lives 5000+ miles away this year. I am in Japan as I am typing this blog and here’s a little clip of me helping her stretch her hips, as she told me that has been hurting. Yes, I am fluent in Japanese (I know, I have many talents):
Hope you enjoyed this week’s blog. Enjoy your Thanksgiving! Stay tuned for more next week………………………..Kei