Thanksgiving Party

As most of you know, Matthew works for the Institute for Sustainable Communities, a US-based nonprofit that does great work related to climate change, environment, strengthening communities (oh, and did I mention that I worked there for a little bit too...).  Because it's a US org, all staff get Thanksgiving day off.  We thought this would be a great opportunity to have a Thanksgiving party for Matthew's Chinese colleagues and their families.  Most had heard about Thanksgiving for years and even got the day off, but they had never had a real American T-giving meal and celebration.    We had it all planned for Thanksgiving day until someone pointed out that just because ISC staff get the day off doesn't mean that their spouses and children get the day off too.  On to plan b -- celebrating Thanksgiving on December 1st. 

It involved a lot of cooking and cleaning and creative acquisition of ingredients (thanks Elizabeth!).  We ordered two smoked turkeys from Bubba's BBQ.  My sister smuggled in some fresh cranberries, fried onions, Stove Top Stuffing (good thing as it's $10/box here in Shanghai). 

We had 30+ staff and family members from the Shanghai and Guangzhou offices, two turkeys, seven pies, 20 hand painted, hand turkeys, and one hilarious football game.

Some of the staff from Guangzhou came early to help cook.

Eli helping Emelio with his hand turkey.

The table starts to fill up.

Matthew (with Bill translating) telling the story of Thanksgiving.

Coach Matthew explaining American football in preparation for our scrimmage.

In classic ISC style, it got quite competitive.

Eli and Dian Dian (Wan Yang's son) playing in the tent.

Trying to decide whose hair is longer.

PIE

The sign of a successful Thanksgiving.

All in all, one of my favorite Thanksgiving celebrations ever.