Thanksgiving (Canada)

Thanksgiving in Canada, also known as Thanksgiving Day (French: Jour de l'Action de grâce), is an annual Canadian holiday celebrated on the second Monday in October, which celebrates the harvest and other blessings of the past year. Its observance predates that of the United States, with some celebrations occurring as early as 1578.

The date, though fixed to the second Monday of October since 1957, has varied throughout history. Early celebrations were linked to the end of the harvest season, which naturally varied by region. Previous dates included November 6th and the third Monday in October.

Thanksgiving is a statutory holiday in most of Canada, with the exception of the Atlantic provinces of Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, where it is an optional holiday. Despite this, many businesses in these provinces choose to close, and the holiday is widely recognized and celebrated there.

Common traditions associated with Canadian Thanksgiving include large family dinners featuring roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Corn, squash, and other harvest vegetables are also frequently included in the meal and decorations.

While the holiday shares some similarities with the American Thanksgiving, the Canadian celebration is generally less focused on the historical narrative associated with the Plymouth Colony and more directly tied to the harvest itself. It is a time for families to gather, express gratitude, and enjoy the bounty of the season.