Thanksgiving is not a holiday in Denmark. There is no time off work. The kids get no break from school. We will not be traveling anywhere. Unless you count my husband’s day trip across Denmark to a meeting in Aarhus, delivering him back home late. My eldest son was busy delivering pizzas. The youngest had studies for a spelling test today. It was a regular day here in Denmark. It was Thursday. Torsdag to the Danes.
But that is ok. Full turkeys are hard to come by. If you do find one, it may cost you a pretty penny. Or plenty of kroner. Probably both. And good luck finding a Russet or a Yukon gold. There is some crazy nut tax that makes pecan use prohibitive or down right luxurious depending on your position and wallet. Canned pumpkin is equally overpriced and only found at the “American/British” aisle in certain grocers popular with expatriates. Maybe you have an inside source at the American Embassy. Or maybe you thought ahead and smuggled back a few cans of Libby’s and the requisite evaporated milk.
Most everything else you can find for your traditional recipes that you may or may not have printed, preserved and packed over the border with you when you passed. But, I didn’t make them yesterday. It’s ok. We’ll do it tomorrow. When we have time and can tune in some American college football via the old rabbit ears of streaming internet with VPN hiders. Yep. We may even head to the nearby park and toss the pigskin around. The football. Not the futbol. The football. It’s brown. And has laces. At least ours does. At Thanksgiving.
And while it may not be traditional or specifically timely, thankful we are. Grateful that we can. We miss family and friends celebrating afar, especially on days like Thanksgiving. But we are grateful that we have had this opportunity to explore this life across borders. Over here in Denmark. These are some of the things that I’m thankful for. Things that make this our Danish life.
THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR IN OUR DANISH LIFE
Colorful buildings and cobblestone streets.
Effective public transportation.
Original Coffee and a morgen komplet.
Julemarked and gløgg and warm æbleskivers.
Christmas lights criss-crossing the streets.
Singing in an International choir.
Copenhagen under a blanket of snow.
Smørrebrød and herrings with snaps to skål.
Fresh food from Torvehallerne.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.
Danish design and meeting the makers.
Sledding at the Statens Museum.
Crocus carpets at the Kongens Have.
Finding fun on the island of Fyn.
The Color Run in Valby Park.
Basking with friends at Bellevue Beach.
Sharing good food and much laughter at cooking club.
The smell of fresh hyldeblomst.
Royal Copenhagen and rhubarb crumble.
Afternoons at Ofelia Plads with cold rosé and dips off the dock.
Views of the towers from atop the Rundtårn.
Papirøen for Copenhagen Street Food.
Illums rooftop respites.
Nyhavn Canal charm.
Biking in the breeze over bridges.
Danish Is and Østerberg’s flavors.
Bonfires on beaches for Sankt Hans and Guy Fawkes.
Tivoli Gardens in every season.
Cheers from Copenhagen – I am thankful for you! xo, Erin
Linking with Lauren on Location, Snow in Tromso, What a Wonderful World, and The Sunny Side of This for #WanderfulWednesday.
beautiful photos! you seem to have a lot to be thankful for:)
Thank you kindly Tanja! We do feel very grateful for having this opportunity to experience life here in Denmark! Cheers from Copenhagen, Erin
Lovely post on things about Denmark. 🙂 One thing we miss here is our rugbrød. 🙁
I really love this post, Erin. So many wonderful things to enjoy about your life in Copenhagen and it really showcases your brilliant Instagram account. Thanks for brightening up my day 🙂
Thank you kindly! I swear I saw rugbrød at Gail’s Artisan Bakery on my last London trip – maybe there is one near you? Let me know! Cheers, Erin
There’s so much to be thankful for even if you aren’t home with family for Thanksgiving. It’s important to remember to be thankful even when homesickness strikes. #wanderfulwednesday
Doesn’t it feel a little strange when you’re used to celebrating or observing a certain holiday at home, that isn’t recognised in your new country? I’m kind of at a loss on ANZAC Day here. We have the Veteran’s Parade through the city and services to remember the fallen. But of course America doesn’t have that. At least not in April. I’m glad that you’re celebrating Thanksgiving a day late anyway! #WanderfulWednesday
I love this!! So weird to see Copenhagen covered in snow, I’ve only ever been there in summer but I guess I should head there in winter one day 🙂
The colorful houses and the Christmas lights lining the streets are my favorite. You do have so much to be thankful for!
So many beautiful things to be grateful for! xx
Yes! You too! What a big new year you will have! Cheers from Copenhagen, Erin
Lovely post. I have never been to Copenhagen. Looks so picturesque with those colorful houses. So much to be thankful for indeed. 🙂
Beautiful photos – and perspective!
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was wondering about the pecans….found some at Torvehallerne….not as good as Trader Joes Candied pecans
Seems like Denmark is a beautiful honey place to be….would love to visit and see what’s it’s like, I’m sure it’s like another world place and time…beautiful comments…maggie Wright Winter Park Fl