This Thursday is Thanksgiving in America. It is a day when we give thanks to God and to each other for the blessings we've had throughout the year. Thanksgiving is a day when we focus on the positive, what we *do* have, not what we don't have.

Most people on Thanksgiving have a huge dinner with family and loved ones. The dinner usually includes a roast turkey, although in some areas of the country it has become popular to deep fry the turkey in peanut oil in a large deep fryer. A deep fried 20 lb turkey is a sight to behold and is delicious in every way, but it is also what we in America jokingly call "A heart attack waiting to happen." What that means is that deep fried turkey fried in peanut oil is not a "light, healthy" snack--it's not good for your heart or for your arteries.

But on Thanksgiving we don't worry so much about things like that. We feast on turkey, cranberry relish, gravy, mashed potatoes, bread stuffing, pudding, pumpkin pie, cranberry bread, green beans, leek soup. Even vegetarians have a Thanksgiving feast, often choosing to eat what is called a Tofurky.

If you are invited to a holiday dinner and are Hindu or other vegetarian, it is certainly appropriate to let your host know beforehand. Most hosts will be accommodating. You might want to bring a bottle of wine, or failing that, sparkling apple cider if you don't touch alcohol.

And of course, don't forget, if you have any questions about American culture or wish to book ESL or Accent Reduction lessons, feel free to give me a call at (732) 492-5360.

I've begun offering intensive 7-10 day courses for people looking to improve their accent or English skills or sell themselves in a job or school interview. I know how hard it can be to wonder if your preparations are right and to wish you had a native speaker to correct issues *before* you went on the interview. I can be your native speaker. See my website or contact me for details.

'Til next time, take care, this is your friendly neighborhood ESL and Accent Reduction tutor, signing off! Goodbye.