Canadian Thanksgiving 2009Celebrating the Harvest The Canadian Thanksgiving date differs from the USA because their Thanksgiving is derived not from the Pilgrims, but the end of a successful harvest. Because of the northerly location of Canada, their harvest season ends earlier than the United States. The designated date for Canadian Thanksgiving is the second Monday in October. In 2009 this is the 12th October.
Thanksgiving was originally observed in Newfoundland, and other parts of the country by new European settlers. Over the years it moved between various dates, sometimes being observed in November and sometimes in October. It was not until the 1950's that the current date was proclaimed as being the official date for Canadian Thanksgiving. In Canada, Thanksgiving is about family and food, and for many, football, just as it in United States. Some families choose to observe a four day weekend (Friday through until Monday), but the official public holiday in Canada is the Monday, giving most a three day weekend. Thanksgiving for families is simply about spending time decorating the house, preparing all of the Thanksgiving food (and of course the dinner!) as well as enjoying a long weekend before the onset of Winter.
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