A Thanksgiving Like No Other

Having been a professional speaker for over 20 years of my life, I often found myself on the road during holidays when others were at home with their families. One year, in particular, stands out—a Thanksgiving like no other, filled with unexpected moments of joy and connection.

The day before Thanksgiving, I embarked on a journey that took me across the world to Dubai, where I was scheduled to speak for the Dubai Chamber of Commerce. Of course, they don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in Dubai—it’s an American holiday, after all. My hosts apologized profusely for asking me to leave my home on such a special day.

My journey began with a flight from Las Vegas to Washington, DC, where I spent the night in a quiet hotel. The restaurant was closed, but the front desk clerk, sensing my disappointment, offered a tray of Thanksgiving delights they were preparing for the next day. With nothing but time on my hands, I noticed the staff was decorating a large Christmas tree in the lobby. I decided to join in, adding a bit of holiday spirit to my unexpected layover.

As we hung ornaments and wrapped tinsel, the chef sent word that my dinner was ready. To my surprise, it was a full Thanksgiving feast: tender turkey with savory dressing and rich gravy, steamed broccoli, a fresh salad, and the most delicious pumpkin pie I had ever tasted. The hotel employees joined me in the lobby, and we shared a meal while watching snow softly fall outside, transforming the parking lot into a winter wonderland. The chef, clearly in the holiday spirit, treated us to hot chocolate and s’mores by the fire. That night, I went to bed feeling as if I had been given a precious gift—a Thanksgiving dinner shared with strangers who felt like friends.

The next morning, I boarded my flight to Dubai on Thanksgiving Day itself, and my journey took another unexpected turn. The Chamber had arranged a first-class ticket on Emirates Airlines, and as soon as I settled into my luxurious private cubicle, I was greeted with a glass of champagne. My “seat” was more of a suite, complete with a dressing table, toiletries, a pair of soft pajamas, and a bed that promised the kind of rest you only dream about on a long flight.

The cabin crew handed me a menu filled with gourmet options and assured me that if I wanted something not listed, I only had to ask. I indulged in caviar paired with Dom Pérignon, followed by a sumptuous lunch of roast duck, creamy mashed potatoes, green beans with almond slivers, and cherry pie. As I sipped my champagne, I couldn’t help but marvel at how Thanksgiving was turning out to be more extraordinary than I could have ever imagined.

After a nap in my new pajamas, I woke up refreshed and ready for the final leg of my journey. Upon arrival in Dubai, a representative from the Chamber greeted me and whisked me away to a stunning five-star hotel. I was informed that I’d be picked up for dinner at 6 pm. Little did I know, my hosts had gone above and beyond to make me feel at home.

That evening, I was welcomed into their beautiful home, where the entire family was bustling in the kitchen, preparing a Thanksgiving dinner for me. They had flown a turkey from America and invited several American expatriates living in Dubai to join us. As we gathered around the table, I found myself surrounded by new friends who shared my holiday traditions. We laughed as I demonstrated my best turkey impression, much to the amusement of those experiencing their first Thanksgiving meal. The side dishes were a mix of familiar flavors and exotic tastes, reflecting the rich cultural blend of Dubai.

The following week, my hosts treated me to an incredible tour of the city, from its towering skyscrapers to its ancient souks. My speech, which had brought me all this way, was only an hour long, but the memories I made during that trip have lasted a lifetime.

Of all the holidays I’ve spent on the road, this Thanksgiving stands out as the most memorable. And to think, I was actually paid to experience this incredible adventure!

This article originally appeared in the Autumn 2024 issue of CHOICES Magazine