Canadian Thanksgiving: Date, History & Traditions

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Planning your autumn celebrations? If you're wondering, "When is Thanksgiving in Canada?", get ready to mark your calendars! Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October. This year, that falls on October 14, 2024. — Secret Service Neutralizes Telecom Threat

A Harvest Tradition

Thanksgiving in Canada, while sharing a similar theme of gratitude with its American counterpart, has its own unique history and traditions. It's primarily a harvest festival, a time to give thanks for the year's bounty.

History of Canadian Thanksgiving

  • Early Celebrations: Thanksgiving celebrations in Canada predate those in the United States. The first Thanksgiving is often traced back to Martin Frobisher's expedition in 1578, giving thanks for a safe voyage.
  • Official Holiday: It wasn't until 1879 that Thanksgiving was officially declared a national holiday in Canada.
  • Date Changes: The date shifted several times over the years, eventually settling on the second Monday of October in 1957.

How Canadians Celebrate

While the date may differ from the American Thanksgiving, many of the traditions are similar. Here's how Canadians typically celebrate: — Garage Remodel: Ideas For Transforming Your Space

  • Family Gatherings: Like in the U.S., Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together.
  • Turkey Dinner: A traditional Thanksgiving dinner usually includes roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
  • Autumn Activities: Many Canadians enjoy outdoor activities, taking advantage of the beautiful fall foliage. Think hikes, visits to pumpkin patches, and apple picking.
  • Giving Back: Some families use Thanksgiving as an opportunity to volunteer or donate to local charities.

Why October?

The October date aligns perfectly with the end of the harvest season in many parts of Canada. It's a time when crops have been gathered, and communities can celebrate the abundance of the land before the onset of winter. This timing sets it apart from the US Thanksgiving, which is linked to commemorating the original pilgrims and their harvest. — New COVID Strain Emerges: What You Need To Know

In summary: Canadian Thanksgiving offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the harvest season and express gratitude with loved ones. Make sure to plan ahead and enjoy the festivities!