This is the Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend...Monday, the actual day, is a holiday.
Out showing clients from the U.S., in past couple of days, and they asked me what the difference might be in the Canadian version of the Thanksgiving moment.
My impression is that it's lower key...it doesn't start off a holiday season as the late November date might do in the U.S.
It takes place at the harvest season, and may have more to do with that appreciation of the successful harvest...it does imply a thoughtfulness, though, and an attitude of gratitude for all the good things in our lives. That part seems to be the same in both countries.
Also, the valuing of friends and family...the inclusion of those suddenly on their own, to the "feast". That appears to be the same, too.
Maybe the only difference is the date, with early October signaling this thoughtful appreciation time for a Canadian and the same feelings of gratitude taking place in late November, in the U.S.
I live and work in a secondary home/discretionary marketplace, in an island archipeligo that floats through into the U.S. San Juans...we're very close, just a short boat ride away from each other. What I have noticed is that Canadians often experience the two holidays, meaning two turkey feasts! Any U.S. visitors this weekend will get a sneak preview, in our local restaurants.
The bottom line? The idea of this festival of appreciation is heart-felt in both countries, and it is about thankfulness. Enjoy, whenever the calendar says it's your turn, and remember that all important "thank you".
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