Thanksgiving far from Home: How Americans abroad celebrate

VPM | By Barry Gordemer

Published November 7, 2025 at 4:50 PM EST

A traditional Thanksgiving dinner can be hard to come by when you're overseas. How do Americans living abroad celebrate when they're far, far from home?

Are you an American celebrating Thanksgiving abroad?

Is it tough to get turkey or pumpkin for pumpkin pie? How do you explain Thanksgiving to your international friends? Has the holiday taken on a new meaning for you?

You can tell NPR how you and yours keep the holiday tradition alive when you’re far from home by filling in the form below.

Don’t forget to tell us where you live and what brought you there.

Your story might end up on NPR’s Morning Edition

Please submit your story to us through the form below by Nov. 20 at 6 pm ET.

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Barry Gordemer

Barry Gordemer is an award-winning producer, editor, and director for NPR's Morning Edition. He's helped produce and direct NPR coverage of two Persian Gulf wars, eight presidential elections, the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and hurricanes Katrina and Harvey. He's also produced numerous profiles of actors, musicians, and writers.

His career in radio spans more than 30 years, beginning at NPR member station WFAE in Charlotte, North Carolina, and includes stops at Minnesota Public Radio and A Prairie Home Companion.

In 2000, Gordemer received special recognition from the George Foster Peabody Awards for his long-time service to Morning Edition.

Gordemer is also the founder of Handemonium, a company that designs and creates puppets for television and film.

In 2000, Gordemer performed on the CD Dreamosauraus. It received a Grammy nomination for "Best Musical Album for Kids."

See stories by Barry Gordemer