Battle of the Thanksgivings

Danielle Goold

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The fourth Thursday of November, the day Americans sit down at dinner tables and feast on turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.

But contrary to popular belief, America is not the only country that celebrates Thanksgiving. In fact, America’s next-door neighbor Canada celebrates the holiday, as well. So what is the difference?

Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October in Canada, versus the fourth Thursday of November. According to TheCanadianEncyclopedia.ca, the holiday was first celebrated on Nov. 6, 1879, but the indigenous peoples had been celebrating the fall harvest for years. Sound familiar? Native Americans were celebrating the fall harvest years before the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians shared their feast.

Other than when it is celebrated, there are no major differences. Mentalfloss.com says turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and mashed potatoes are common dinner items on both sides of the border. North Americans share the food, and also festivals, cute commercials and family vacations, as well.

However, there is still a tiny difference. The day after Americans give thanks for what they have, they go and buy more things during Black Friday, mostly Christmas presents. In Canada, the big sale of the year is known as Boxing Day and is the day after Christmas. Same idea, different day.

With this Thanksgiving, make sure to tell friends and family how similar the holiday is to that of our northerly “neighbour,” (another difference:  spelling), but also spend time with your loved ones, reminding them just how glad you are that they are in your life. Happy Thanksgiving from a former Canadian and newly minted American!