“I miss having my family around during Thanksgiving,” she says. “They are a rowdy and fun bunch, and Thanksgiving is the perfect time to catch up with them. So, I feel like I miss out on great family stories and bonding moments.”

In previous years, the marketing manager has congregated with fellow expats at the American Women’s Club for their annual potluck dinner which is held on the weekend either side of the holiday. “That’s usually my lifeline,” she admits.

For the annual dinner made up of “a fun mix of traditional Thanksgiving dishes with some Swedish stuff thrown in”, someone from the club will make the turkey, stuffing and gravy, while the others bring side dishes and desserts. “It’s nice because I get to catch up with people I haven’t seen in a while and load up on an unhealthy amount of carbs – both hallmarks of Thanksgiving back home,” Allisa says. “It’s not the same as celebrating with my own family but it’s better than nothing.”

Thanksgiving 2019: 3 American expats on what it’s like to celebrate in a different country