While many Americans gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, U.S. Ambassador Nicole Theriot is continuing a cherished tradition of sharing the holiday with a special group—75 senior citizens from local care facilities.
This year, once again, she will open her home to these residents and their caregivers for a Thanksgiving feast like no other.
Each year, in collaboration with the American Chamber of Commerce in Guyana, Ambassador Theriot hosts a Thanksgiving dinner for senior citizens living in care facilities. The event has become a heartwarming tradition, offering these seniors the opportunity to enjoy a festive, traditional meal.
“They all come over to my house and they have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner,” Theriot said during a recent interview with News Room.
Senior citizens gather for last year’s Thanksgiving event.
Beyond the delicious food, the gathering provides the seniors with a chance to step out of their daily routine and enjoy a new experience. Theriot fondly recalls the fun moments from last year’s celebration.
“I was challenged to a dance-off by one of the senior citizens and she kicked my butt; she was amazing,” she said with a laugh.
For Theriot, Thanksgiving holds a special place in American hearts, and it’s a holiday she enjoys with her own family when she’s back home in the U.S. “Many Americans will say that Thanksgiving is their favourite holiday, as it’s a great time to reconnect with family and friends,” she explained.
“I like to spend it with my family. People will come from all over the country, sometimes even overseas, and it’s all about food and American football.”
She sees many parallels between Thanksgiving and Christmas, particularly when it comes to the focus on family and food. Reflecting on her experience in Guyana last year, Theriot was captivated by the unique local dishes that make the holiday celebrations here special.
“I was really blown away last year with all of the incredible, very unique specific Guyanese cuisine, whether it was garlic pork, or pepperpot, or black cake,” she said.
“It was just a really interesting experience, and in the United States, it’s the same thing—every American everywhere in the country is eating turkey, ham, cornbread dressing, pumpkin pie; it’s very similar.”
For Ambassador Theriot, Thanksgiving isn’t just about tradition; it’s about making memories and sharing the joy of the season with others, especially those who might not have many opportunities to enjoy such a special occasion.
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