Thanksgiving Day in Paris: How long can I procrastinate?

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day - and we've planned absolutely nothing. No turkey, no pumpkin pie, no cranberry sauce. Apparently we aren't alone in this because likewise the American Embassy in Paris notes that they are Closed for Thanksgiving Day. If you click on Thanksgiving there's an excellent description of the history behind this one American holiday which remains almost unscathed from commercialism (except for the 'Day after Thanksgiving sales - now referred to as Black Friday). However, if you're an American in Paris - and feeling homesick - missing family and friends, you'll be happy to know that there are some places in Paris where you can celebrate the holiday: The American Church in Paris will be providing a Thanksgiving Dinner on Saturday, November 29 '08 rather than Thanksgiving Day. Here are the details: Thanksgiving Dinner 6pm in the Thurber Room "The dinner will have a potluck theme this year. The doors will open at 6pm for a pre-dinner cocktail. All families and individuals are asked to bring one side item and one dessert, which must be confirmed at the time of ticket purchase. Turkey and beverages will be provided. Price: 15 Euros per adult and 8 Euros per child. Space is limited so buy tickets quickly! (I think my procrastination may rule out this as an option! but it's good to keep in mind for next year) Contacts: Cemohn at ninasimone101@yahoo.com or Marie-Christine at marie-christine.aller@orange.fr Traditional Thanksgiving Menu (30€/person) at the Bistro Saint Martin Call for reservations: 06.32.75.98.05/01.46.07.73.68 or email us at lesaintmartin@yahoo.fr Thursday, November 27nd Friday, November 28th Saturday, November 29th Seatings at 7PM & 9PM Savory Carrot Soup Roasted Turkey Old Fashioned Stuffing/ Mashed Potates Cranberry Sauce Sautéed Green Beans/Butternut Squash Pumpkin Bread Homemade Pumpkin Pie Marriot Rive Gauche Hotel 17 Blvd. Saint Jacques 75014 Thanksgiving Day Dinner on Thursday, November 27 '08 (With live Jazz, a champagne welcome, and a traditional buffet with turkey et al, wine, coffee, tea and plenty of desserts. Price: 55 euros per person. Reservations by November 17th (am I too late if I call on the 26th?) at 01 40 78 78 84. Ask for Prescillia Leroy. Or email: prescillia.leroy@marriotthotels.com Cajun Thanksgiving Day meal at the restaurant of the same name: Thanksgiving 20, rue Saint Paul 75004 PARIS Tél: 01 42 77 68 28 ou 29 (Thanksgiving is also a grocery store that supplies American products - all the fixins' for a Thanksgiving Day meal - for those of us who suddenly have a yen to whip up a traditional dinner). Here are two Thanksgiving options that don't revolve around food! The American Library's Story Hour for Kids Wednesday November 26 Story Hour 10 30 to 11 30 or 2 30 to 3 30 pm American Cathedral in Paris "20s/30s Thanksgiving Weekend Event: If you’re between the ages of 20 and 39, join the Cathedral’s 20s/30s youth group which celebrates the holiday on Friday, November 28 at 6:00 pm, by spending an evening at the Cathedral wrapping Christmas gifts for needy children through the Cathedral’s Love in a Box program. Wrapping will be followed up with a hearty day-after-Thanksgiving dinner. RSVP to amcath2030@gmail.com to join in the wrapping!" Photo by Pumpkinpie.org