Thanksgiving Day Weekend in Canada

In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the 2nd Monday in October(Oct. 12, 2009).  This is a full 6-weeks ahead of our friends in the US, who celebrate their Thanksgiving on the 4th Thursday of November (November 26, 2009).  What’s the story behind us each having  different dates for the same celebration?

The history of Thanksgiving in Canada can be traced back to the explorer Martin Frobisher, who in 1578, while trying to find a northern passage to the Pacific, landed instead in Newfoundland thus avoiding the later fate of both Henry Hudson and Sir John Franklin.  For his good fortune, Frobisher gave thanks for surviving the long journey.  He held a formal ceremony, with a feast of course, and this became known as the first Thanksgiving Day celebration in what was later to become Canada.

The holiday was not officially recognized again, in Canada, until 1879, when Parliament declared Thanksgiving to be an annual national secular holiday.  In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a national day of Thanksgiving in the US.  In 1941, Thanksgiving was sanctioned by Congress as a legal holiday, as the fourth Thursday in November.

The First Thanksgiving, in America painting by Jean Leon 

On both sides of the border, there are many different stories and versions, of how, when and why Thanksgiving originated.  A quick “Google” search will illustrate the history and sequence of events in both Canada and the United States.  However, one thing has remained constant in both countries – Thanksgiving is a day to celebrate by gathering at home with family or friends for a holiday feast and to give thanks for our good health and fortune.

Paulette’s new Fall/Thanksgiving Quilt – Pumpkins & Spice and Everything Nice

That’s what Paulette and I will be doing later this afternoon as we enjoy our annual Thanksgiving Dinner here at home.  Normally, we would have over 20 family members here today, but unfortunately, this year everyone is scattered around the country, so we’re only expecting about 10 for dinner.  My brother Tom and his wife Donna will be here along with our daughters Carrie(Al), Maggie(Toby) and granddaughters Jessica and Mikayla.  Kevin has to work, Erin and Rhett have gone to Manitoba to visit Rhett’s parents for the weekend and Hayley is still far-away in Ottawa.  Paulette’s brother, his wife and family, normally come too, but they’re all in Vancouver this weekend for a hockey tournament.

 Another great Thanksgiving Day Weekend

Yesterday, was a pretty quiet day around home.  In the morning, Paulette went grocery shopping and came home with all the fixings for dinner today.  I was happy to see a few pumpkin pies as I helped bring the grocery bags in from the van.  I watched a bit of the President’s Cup golf along with baseball yesterday. Last night, we had take-out Chinese food for dinner so that was nice and easy.  Later in the evening, Paulette made an Apple/Raspberry Crisp that looked delicious and smelled even better – but, it was hands off until after dinner today!

Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow Canadians and a special thanks to everyone who is kind enough to visit and read my blog.  I’m thankful for that today!