3 holidays in one

This year the Thai holidays of Loi Krathong and Yii Peng fell on the same day as the American holiday of Thanksgiving, so we celebrated all three in one night last week! It was a feast for the senses - fireworks, lanterns, sparkling lights in the river and in the sky, lots of colour everywhere, good food and good friends . . . and crowds of people on the streets.

At this time of year, Thais like to decorate with colourful lanterns (khom fai) so the city is really beautiful and vibrant.

Lanterns hanging at Wat Lok Moli

Thursday night after school, we made our way to our Thanksgiving dinner invitation across the river carrying pumpkin pie, apple crumble and pumpkin brownies and taking pictures of all the pretty stalls along the way.

Beautiful krathongs for sale along the river

 Loi Krathong is celebrated by sending elaborate floating "krathongs" down the river to symbolize letting go of past transgressions and waving goodbye to the misfortune of the previous year. Our friends live along the river so in between courses for Thanksgiving dinner, we joined the throngs on the river banks to add one more krathong to the mass of twinkling lights in the Mae Ping.

Lanterns were already being set off for Yii Peng which is a spectacular and mesmerizing sight. Our stomachs were full from a delicious Thanksgiving meal, our hearts were full of gratitude for wonderful friends and family and it felt out of this world to be watching these lanterns fill the sky around us, carrying with them the hopes and wishes of those who released them.

Yii Peng lanterns on Nawarat Bridge, photo credit Jessie Langr

The moment of release, photo credit Jessie Langr

It wasn't until the following night that we got to send off our own lantern (khom loi), this time with our sweet Thai neighbours. Certain members of our family had actually opted out of braving the crowds again the second night and we planned to stay home, but the neighbours started lining the driveway with candles and invited us spontaneously for sparklers, fireworks and a lantern release. So lovely to participate with them in this Northern Thai tradition. "What are you wishing for?" they asked, as we prepared to release the lanterns. They know it's superstitious just like when we blow out Birthday candles, but it's still fun, especially for the kids, to send their wishes up in this way.

This year, I could wish for a lot at Yii Peng - there is much I am hoping for and praying for.
I could also say sorry for a lot at Loi Krathong - there are many thoughts and actions that I have not been proud of this past year and many experiences I would like to put behind me.
And of course, I am grateful for a lot this Thanksgiving season too - for family, friends, adventures, experiences, work, grace in the present, forgiveness for the past and hope for the future.

Thanks for reading and sharing the adventures!