Are you expecting just a few people for Thanksgiving this year? Here's how to prepare for a cozy holiday with a few guests. Wochit


Guam is home to people of varying ethnicities and heritages, and each cultural group celebrates holidays in their own way. Guam’s diverse multicultural setting, along with my family’s Indian background, have uniquely molded our annual Thanksgiving Day celebrations.

Although Thanksgiving isn’t recognized as a national holiday in India, several feasts at various times throughout the year convey the theme of giving thanks, such as Onam, celebrated in South India, and Vaisakhi, celebrated in Punjab and Haryana.

“Our thanksgiving celebration includes a reflection of America’s history, but the main focus is to sustain the spirit of thanks,” says Arun Kumar, a local Indian resident,

A traditional thanksgiving morning in my household starts early with the sunrise and is filled with joyous hugs and thanksgiving greetings. The highlight of our breakfast is appam, a South Indian pancake-like delicacy made from coconut, milk and rice, usually accompanied by curry. After breakfast, the main focus shifts to food preparation for the much-anticipated Thanksgiving dinner.

Traditionally, Thanksgiving evening draws friends and family together to enjoy a potluck dinner. Along with Western food items such as turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, etc., our Thanksgiving is not complete without its share of Indian cuisines -- various curries, breads and rice. Even our turkey is seasoned with a touch of coriander and some Indian spices. Dessert includes pumpkin pie, fruit salad and Indian sweets.

Most importantly, food can’t be served without a Thanksgiving prayer before the meal, expressing gratitude for the providence of life necessities, family and friends.

As a part of the festivities, men gather together following the heavy dinner to play cards or watch a movie. Women prepare masala chai, a type of milk tea brewed with Indian spices, herbs and ginger. Not only does the hot drink provide a relaxing sensation after a heavy dinner, but my mother says it “presents numerous digestive benefits ideal for post-Thanksgiving dinner treats.”

While my family’s thanksgiving celebrations incorporate our Indian heritage and the spirit of gratitude, many other Indians celebrate Thanksgiving in ways unique to their personal cultures, religions and traditions.

Lakshmi Nair, a recent immigrant to Guam from India, says, “Thanksgiving in our household is strictly vegetarian as part of our culture and religion.”

Although each Indian family has a different approach to their Thanksgiving celebration, the true emphasis lies in promoting peace and gratitude. 



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