Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving in Canada is a national holiday celebrated on the second Monday of October each year. It is a time for Canadians to give thanks for the blessings of the past year, particularly the harvest. The holiday has its roots in European traditions of harvest festivals and was influenced by Indigenous practices of giving thanks for nature's bounty. The first Canadian Thanksgiving is often traced back to 1578, when explorer Martin Frobisher held a ceremony to give thanks for surviving his journey to the Arctic. Over time, the holiday evolved, and in 1957, the Canadian government officially declared the second Monday in October as Thanksgiving Day. Canadian Thanksgiving is marked by family gatherings, festive meals, and expressions of gratitude. Traditional foods include roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. While similar to the American Thanksgiving, the Canadian version is celebrated earlier and is less tied to historical events like the Pilgrims' feast. It is a time for reflection, appreciation, and spending quality time with loved ones.