Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Yes to Halloween, no to bonfire night
Holidays differ quite a lot.
When I was organising my flight back here, lots of people said stuff along the lines of "Oh, you *must* be back in time for Halloween." So, I was, and what an odd experience it was. It's not just for kids here, it's for everyone. Parties everywhere, and a level of commercialism that amazed me. I don't know how they do it. Every holiday is a commercial joy it'd seem.
So I expected to see fireworks all over the place on bonfire night, but nothing. I asked a couple of people "don't you guys celebrate bonfire night?" Blank looks. "Guy Fawkes? Remember remember the 5th of November?" More blank looks.
Then it occured to me that the Americans wouldn't be that bothered about a day that celebrates a failed attempt to overthrow the establishment back in the UK.
And true enough, it passed without even a mention. The advantage of this being that I've not been kept up all night due to fireworks over the last week.
And coming up... Thanksgiving.
I don't entirely understand this one. But I get 2 1/2 days off work for it, and we all have a big meal at work. Then everyone heads to their families to celebrate together. It seems to be as big as Christmas over here, and I believe it ties in with the foreigners (such as us) turning up and claiming the country.
Either way, it's time off work which'll give me more of a chance to get to know the area. And apparently the day after Thanksgiving is when the Christmas shopping *really* starts. I've got no excuse for not giving good presents this year; the exchange rate is in my favour, and this town is full of novelty gifts.
Anyone for a "Texas is bigger than France" tea towel for Christmas?
When I was organising my flight back here, lots of people said stuff along the lines of "Oh, you *must* be back in time for Halloween." So, I was, and what an odd experience it was. It's not just for kids here, it's for everyone. Parties everywhere, and a level of commercialism that amazed me. I don't know how they do it. Every holiday is a commercial joy it'd seem.
So I expected to see fireworks all over the place on bonfire night, but nothing. I asked a couple of people "don't you guys celebrate bonfire night?" Blank looks. "Guy Fawkes? Remember remember the 5th of November?" More blank looks.
Then it occured to me that the Americans wouldn't be that bothered about a day that celebrates a failed attempt to overthrow the establishment back in the UK.
And true enough, it passed without even a mention. The advantage of this being that I've not been kept up all night due to fireworks over the last week.
And coming up... Thanksgiving.
I don't entirely understand this one. But I get 2 1/2 days off work for it, and we all have a big meal at work. Then everyone heads to their families to celebrate together. It seems to be as big as Christmas over here, and I believe it ties in with the foreigners (such as us) turning up and claiming the country.
Either way, it's time off work which'll give me more of a chance to get to know the area. And apparently the day after Thanksgiving is when the Christmas shopping *really* starts. I've got no excuse for not giving good presents this year; the exchange rate is in my favour, and this town is full of novelty gifts.
Anyone for a "Texas is bigger than France" tea towel for Christmas?
