Cultural Differences: Celebrating Thanksgiving as an Expat in the Netherlands

Thanksgiving is a holiday cherished by millions, but for expats living abroad, it can feel bittersweet. Many of us look forward to this season as a time to gather with loved ones, express gratitude, and indulge in delicious comfort foods. However, celebrating Thanksgiving away from home comes with its own set of challenges. In the Netherlands, expats can experience a unique blend of traditions—mixing beloved holiday customs with Dutch influences, making the celebration both nostalgic and refreshing.

At Kelly’s Expat Shopping, we’re here to help you recreate your favorite Thanksgiving dishes, even if you're far from home. With authentic American ingredients and festive essentials, we make it easy to celebrate a heartfelt Thanksgiving that’s both familiar and a little adventurous.

Thanksgiving Traditions from Coast to Coast

Thanksgiving traditions vary widely across cultures and regions, even within the United States and Canada. For Americans, Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November, marking the Pilgrims’ harvest festival of 1621. It’s a day centered around classic dishes like roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. For Canadians, Thanksgiving arrives a little earlier, on the second Monday of October, with its own array of flavors. While turkey is still a staple, Canadians often add regional twists—like salmon or butter tarts.

While Thanksgiving is a North American holiday at its core, the celebration has spread to many cultures through expats and global communities. Each tradition shares the universal spirit of gratitude and togetherness. The magic of Thanksgiving as an expat is in adapting and blending customs, often including local foods and seasonal elements.

Bringing Local Flair to Thanksgiving

Living in the Netherlands offers expats a world of flavors and culinary inspiration. While it may be hard to find a frozen turkey or sweet potatoes in some grocery stores, you can find a wide selection at Kelly’s Expat Shopping, along with classic American products to keep your holiday feast traditional. And for those wanting to add a touch of Dutch flair, here are some ways to incorporate local flavors and customs:

• Swap Out Traditional Potatoes with Dutch Variations: Dutch “stamppot” is a cozy mashed potato dish, often served with vegetables. Try blending this Dutch favorite with your Thanksgiving spread by adding local vegetables like kale or carrots to your mashed potatoes, creating a unique fusion dish.

• Experiment with Speculaas Spices: This beloved Dutch spice blend of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger can elevate a variety of Thanksgiving dishes. Use it to flavor your pumpkin pie, or sprinkle it on sweet potatoes for a distinct Dutch twist.

• Cheese Boards Featuring Local Delicacies: Cheese is a celebrated part of Dutch culture, and adding a cheese board to your Thanksgiving table is a wonderful way to honor this tradition. Try including Gouda, Edam, and Beemster, paired with Kelly’s cranberry sauce or fig preserves for a tasty cross-cultural starter.

Thanksgiving Essentials at Kelly’s Expat Shopping

Finding the right ingredients for a traditional Thanksgiving feast can be challenging when abroad, but Kelly’s Expat Shopping has everything you need for a taste of home. Here are a few essentials we offer to help make your Thanksgiving memorable:

• Frozen Turkey & Gravy Mixes: No Thanksgiving table is complete without a roast turkey. We carry frozen turkeys and a range of gravy mixes so you can make this centerpiece dish with ease.

• Pumpkin Puree and Pie Crusts: What’s Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie? At Kelly’s, you’ll find American-style pumpkin puree and pre-made pie crusts, perfect for baking a dessert that’ll remind you of family gatherings back home.

• Cranberry Sauce: For that extra burst of tangy flavor, stock up on cranberry sauce. Whether you prefer whole berry or smooth, we’ve got options that go perfectly with turkey or ham.

• Stuffing Mixes & Seasonings: Recreating the flavor of homemade stuffing is possible even from miles away. We offer American stuffing mixes and seasonings, helping you capture that perfect blend of herbs and spices.

• Sweet Potatoes & Marshmallows: For the iconic sweet potato casserole, look no further. We carry canned sweet potatoes and those mini marshmallows to create that comforting, nostalgic side dish.

Bringing It All Together: A Thanksgiving to Remember

As an expat in the Netherlands, celebrating Thanksgiving is an opportunity to blend the best of both worlds. Setting the table with a mix of American classics and Dutch flavors creates a Thanksgiving meal that’s truly special and unique to your experience abroad. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or an intimate dinner, adding a few local elements can make the day even more meaningful.

Gather around the table with friends, family, and fellow expats, and remember that Thanksgiving is all about gratitude. Be thankful for the memories you’re making, for the connections you’ve built in a new country, and for the chance to celebrate a beloved tradition in a whole new way.

So this Thanksgiving, head over to Kelly’s Expat Shopping, stock up on your essentials, and embrace the art of blending traditions. Celebrate the best of American and Dutch flavors, and make this a Thanksgiving you’ll always remember!