A Mediterranean Thanksgiving? Yes, itβs a thing.
The strange thing about living in Malta is that seasons donβt exactly behave like they do in the US. While America experiences a crisp, golden autumn with leaves underfoot, Malta’s autumn is quite different. βI can still wear a T-shirt at 4pm.β But somehow, Thanksgiving still lands with this cosy energy that makes you want to grab a blanket, light a candle, and pretend the weather isn’t twenty degrees.
And honestly? Thatβs part of the charm. You get to build your own version of Thanksgiving: a little American heart, a little Maltese sunshine, and a whole lot of delicious food.
Thanksgiving feels different for expats.
If youβre not actually American, Thanksgiving becomes less about turkey traditions and more about taking a breath before the chaos of December. Itβs that one day you stop, look around, and realise how much has happened this year: the good, the chaotic, and the βI canβt believe that actually happenedβ moments.
Living in Malta introduces an additional dimension to the celebration. Youβre away from the big American supermarket displays, the TV specials, and the endless pumpkin-flavoured everything. So you build your own sense of the holiday, piece by piece, and it becomes strangely meaningful. Thereβs something beautiful about creating a tradition that wasnβt originally yours but now feels like it fits you perfectly.
The Maltese twist on a very American holiday
Letβs be honest: sourcing a full Thanksgiving turkey in Malta feels like a quest straight out of Skyrim. You go in hopeful, and you come out with either a chicken, a pre-sliced turkey breast, or a cashier telling you to βtry again on Wednesdayβ.
So Maltese Thanksgiving becomes this brilliant hybrid. A bit of Mediterranean food, a tiny splash of American classics, and suddenly youβve created the cosiest mash-up imaginable. Think roasted veggies with Maltese olive oil, Δ§obΕΌ biΕΌ-ΕΌejt as a starter, pastizzi on the table βjust becauseβ, and maybe even pumpkin pie if you manage to track down the purΓ©e before everyone else does.
And honestly, it works. It really works.
Itβs less about the food and more about the moment.
Thanksgiving in Malta isnβt about having the perfect spread. Itβs the warm lighting, the mismatched plates, the playlist you made ten minutes before your friends arrived, the laughter bouncing off the balcony, and the fact that no oneβs taking things too seriously.
It’s that feeling of, βWeβre here; we made it through another year; letβs eat.β
You might miss the American traditions, or maybe youβve never experienced them at all, but you create something new. Something real. You create something that is uniquely yours.
Finding gratitude⦠island style
Malta has a way of grounding you. Maybe itβs the sea. Perhaps it is the manner in which the island compels you to decelerate, even amidst life’s chaos. Maybe itβs the simple joy of sharing a meal without the heavy pressure of a big family holiday.
Thanksgiving here becomes more intimate. More reflective. A moment where you recognise the people around your table even if they are tiny and feel grateful for every ridiculous, stressful, unexpected chapter of the year that brought you here.
And yes⦠dessert is still non-negotiable.
Some traditions should never be touched. Whether itβs a pumpkin tart, an apple crumble, or a last-minute βthis will doβ treat from the nearest pastizzeria, dessert becomes the real finale. Thanksgiving deserves a sweet ending, even in twenty-degree Maltese November weather.
FAQ: Girl-Boss Skincare Hacks You Wish You Knew Sooner
What is the secret to glowing skin?
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Do I really need sunscreen every day?
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How often should I wash my face?
Most people benefit from cleansing twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed, especially after wearing makeup or sunscreen.
Can drinking water improve my skin?
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Do I need expensive skincare products?
Not necessarily. Many affordable skincare products contain effective ingredients. The key is choosing products that suit your skin type rather than focusing on luxury price tags.
