Category Archives: Christmas, Thanksgiving and Holidays

The End Day of the Year

Posted on December 31, 2011 by wordgeyser

The end days of the year; the hiatus between Christmas and the start of the new year. Strange days with a dreamlike quality, slightly out of focus and removed from the reality of day-to-day routines. A sense of anti-climax after … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Thanksgiving and Holidays, Expat Experiences, Family Life, Inspiration and Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Hallmark Holidays and the Cyber Dilemma

Posted on December 21, 2011 by wordgeyser

The annual dilemma – the Christmas card list. To send or not to send. Who has made the list this year and who hasn’t. Send to local friends or only those outside a geographically defined area? Are acquaintances defined as … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Thanksgiving and Holidays, England and Things English, Expat Experiences, Family Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Thanksgiving: The Purest Holiday Of Them All

Posted on November 23, 2011 by wordgeyser

Growing up in Europe I’d never given much thought to Thanksgiving, except as an American holiday at the end of November. I knew it commemorated the pilgrims first year of survival in the New World and that was about it. … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Thanksgiving and Holidays, Expat Experiences, Family Life, USA | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Diplomatic Incidents In the Sick Bed

Posted on January 4, 2011 by wordgeyser

I have been forced back to bed for the day by my husband, not for the bliss of carnal delights, but because he seems to think I’m ‘going down with something’. The possibility of the domestic helm being unmanned has galvanised him into action, … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Thanksgiving and Holidays, Expat Experiences, Family Life, The Netherlands | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Expat Kids Home for Christmas – In a Place They’ve Never Lived

Posted on December 27, 2010 by wordgeyser

I know, I know. We all feel that sense of anti-climax after Christmas. The present buying and wrapping, decorating the house, cooking, getting excited for the children coming home, travelling to friends and family, constant activity and mania – then … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Thanksgiving and Holidays, Dutch Culture, Expat Experiences, Family Life, Women and Female Related | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Wassenaar White-out

Posted on December 18, 2010 by wordgeyser

 I’m done with the snow and you can cancel Christmas too. We woke up this morning to the wonderful light and deep quiet of a new snowfall, a real magical winter wonderland. Like an idiot I’d promised Harry I’d drive … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Thanksgiving and Holidays, Expat Experiences, Inspiration and Reflection, The Netherlands | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Expat Moms and Global Sisters

Posted on December 13, 2010 by wordgeyser

Today I feel especially close to expat moms like me who are counting down the days and hours to their off-spring heading ‘home’ for the Holidays. As a family, we’ve celebrated Christmas in the same way every year – familiar food, … Continue reading →

Posted in Advice for New Arrivals in the Netherlands, Christmas, Thanksgiving and Holidays, Expat Experiences, Family Life, Inspiration and Reflection, Women and Female Related | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The Problems of an American pre-lit Christmas Tree in Europe…

Posted on November 30, 2010 by wordgeyser

Right. It’s involved two step ladders, several beer mats (for balance, duh) and it’s time for the big switch on, tad-daa… okay, so who moved the transformer? It’s kept in the same place all year, and at this point in the proceedings … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Thanksgiving and Holidays, Expat Experiences, Family Life, The Netherlands | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Thoughts on Thanksgiving

Posted on November 24, 2010 by wordgeyser

I’d never given much thought to American Thanksgiving, other than it was an American holiday at the end of November. I knew it commemorated the pilgrims first year of survival in the New World and that was about it. We … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Thanksgiving and Holidays, Expat Experiences, Family Life, Inspiration and Reflection, USA | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment