There may not be trees, gifts, or a kitschy collection of songs, but there is family, friends and whole lot of food. Here’s what makes Thanksgiving so unique, and one of the best holidays to celebrate where we can all get in on the action.
The holidays are always a special time, and celebrating Christmas and Thanksgiving in Singapore has been gaining momentum over the years. What’s not to love about giant light displays and Christmas trees adorned with sparkle, giving and receiving gorgeous gifts, and spending time with family and friends over-indulging in food and drinks? Christian or not, that sounds like fun.
Christmas is so much more than the commercialised aspects it’s now associated with, and celebrating the birth of Jesus is one of the most momentous days in the Christian religion’s calendar. But there’s a holiday that happens only one month before, which enjoys all of the pomp and glamour of the Christmas preparations, with zero focus on religion. It’s the American holiday called Thanksgiving, celebrated on the last Thursday of November. Thanksgiving day 2025 falls on Thursday, 27 November. Even on a weekday, there’re plenty of ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in Singapore. and what better to do it with a Thanksgiving dinner with your nearest and dearest.
The origins of Thanksgiving: A dark past, with a bright future
Like many of our favourite holidays, Thanksgiving has a complex history. The origins of Thanksgiving can be traced back to 1621 after the landing of the first European settlers near Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. Thanksgiving traditionally marks the celebration of the harvest festival and the coming together of the pilgrims and the Native Americans to feast and celebrate.
There is more to the story than this cheerful version. In the years that followed this first feast, Native Americans have been subjected to oppression and genocide, and some refer to this date in November as a Day of Mourning. You can learn more about the origins of Thanksgiving and the Native American perspective here.
For many Americans, the focus of this holiday is about recognising the past and taking action to move forward. In this way we can embrace the positive messages of the day about the coming together of family, togetherness, and being grateful for all that we have.
Everything we love about Thanksgiving
1. Is this the most inclusive holiday?
One of the nicest things about this American holiday as it is celebrated today, is that it is not about religion. People from all walks of life can join in the fun of preparing a meal and inviting friends and families from all religious backgrounds together to give thanks for their good health and the abundance of blessings.
2. The coming together of friends and family
Within the expat community in Singapore, friends become family. Celebrating Thanksgiving in Singapore, many Americans in Singapore open their homes to their international friends, introducing them to the foods and traditions they would usually share with their families back home. In America, the Thanksgiving holiday weekend is one of the busiest of the year for travel, as people head home to be together.
3. The food. So much food. Including the famous Thanksgiving turkey!
If it’s feasting you’re after, there’s no meal quite like a Thanksgiving dinner. Of course, turkey is traditionally the centrepiece, and with it comes gravy and chestnut stuffing. While that alone is delicious, the side dishes are nothing short of spectacular. Everything from mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, all types of vegetables sautéed with butter and sweet yet savoury cornbread which has a magical moreish quality. The desserts are phenomenal. We’ve all heard of pumpkin pie, but if you have never sampled a pecan pie, then you are missing out on one of the great Thanksgiving culinary experiences! Guess what? You can get everything you need for a hearty Thanksgiving in Singapore!
4. Traditions and fun
Besides a huge feast, there are some traditions that you may not be aware of if you aren’t American. The first is the ‘turkey pardon’. The American President is traditionally presented with two live turkeys, who they then ‘pardon’, and the birds can live out the remainder of their lives on a farm. Sharing what you are thankful for and hopes for the future is also commonplace at the feasting table. Thanksgiving in Singapore is the inevitable TV time as friends gather to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and football games. Cards and boardgames on full bellies are a great way to end the afternoon.
5. No gifts, just grateful
It’s so nice to have a holiday without the pressure of gift buying. Thanksgiving isn’t the commercialism seen with present or treat focused holidays. A beautiful focus of this holiday is to give back to those in need. Many people volunteer at this time of year, or donate their unwanted items to those less fortunate. The message is simple – be grateful for all that you have.
Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate!
