top of page

Thanksgiving

​

A day full of gratitude, loved ones and good food. 

​

Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving the weekend of the second Monday in October. Traditionally, families will host a huge turkey feast, however, this holiday can be spent in other ways including gathering with friends for a "Friendsgiving" celebration.  No matter how you spend it, this day gives each of us an opportunity to give thanks for the blessings in our lives. 

​

Canadian Thanksgiving has been officially celebrated since 1879, but the fixed date was not set until 1957 with the Governor General stating: "A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed – to be observed on the second Monday in October."  A lot of American and Canadian traditions are similar for this holiday (yes, we have football too), only our celebrations have more of a European harvest festival flair.

​

So, bust out your stretchy pants, give thanks for food in your belly & people to love. A little gratitude goes a long way on the path to happiness.

Traditional Ways of Celebrating & What Inspires Us:

​​​​​​​

THEME​​​

  • Gratitude / Thankfulness

  • Harvest

  • Turkey

​​​​​​​​​​​

BEAUTY & FASHION

  • Warm, fall colours - red, orange, yellow, brown, black or themed graphics (turkey, feather, pumpkin prints)​​​​​​​​​​​

 

DÉCOR

  • What do you have in storage?

  • Do you need anything new to compliment your theme?

  • If hosting, create a space to take photos

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

ENTERTAINMENT​

  • Watch your favourite Thanksgiving movie, the CFL Thanksgiving Day Classic or Thanksgiving parade

  • Your favourite Thanksgiving / gratitude themed playlist

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

FLOWERS

  • Warm colours - red, orange, yellow with brown fillers like pinecones, cattails, pussy willows

  • Fall flowers like chrysanthemums, sunflowers or marigolds

​​​​​​​​​​​

FOOD & DRINK

  • Turkey dinner with all the fixings, casseroles, potatoes, fall vegetables, breads, cranberry sauce, gravy, stuffing 

  • Have some light appetizers before the big meal - charcuterie boards with veggies, fruit, cheese, crackers

  • Pies - apple, pumpkin and pecan are popular flavours this time of year, but you really can't go wrong with any pie - just don't forget to add whipped cream or ice cream on top.

  • Sweet treats like butter tarts, caramel candies, pumpkin bread  

  • Sip on your favourite cider or wine

​​​​​​

FUN

  • Host or attend a big supper

  • Get outside to enjoy some fresh air - go for a walk, have a bonfire, toss around a football

  • Go to or participate in a local parade

​​​

GIFTS & GREETINGS

  • Host gifts: flowers or a small plant, their favourite beverage or treat ​​​​​​​​​

​

PARTY TIME

  • Attending?

    • Get yourself ready (hair, nails, makeup, outfit)

    • Host gift (see gifts & greetings)

    • Pack your own beverage

    • Potluck? Prepare and pack your contribution

    • Take photos

  • Hosting?

    • Guest list & invites

    • Clean house

    • Yard maintenance

    • Theme décor

    • Get yourself ready (hair, nails, makeup, outfit)

    • Prepare menu

    • Entertainment (music, games…)

    • Display previous years’ photos and take more to add

​​​​​​​​​​

PHOTOS

  • Take photos of yourself and those you are celebrating with

  • Look back on past years with an organized slideshow or photo album

  • Use theme inspired props like: feathers, turkey hats, cornucopias, decorative corn, pumpkins 

​​​​​​​​​​

QUOTES

  • "Happy Thanksgiving!"

​​​​​​​​​​

TRADITIONS

  • Family gathering

  • Gratitude list

  • Breaking the wishbone

​​​​​​​​​​​​

KIDS & CLASSROOM FUN

  • Turkey art, fill a cornucopia, paint a pumpkin

  • Read books and listen to music about Thanksgiving

  • Discuss what it means to be thankful

​​​​​​​​​​

WORKPLACE

  • Bring special treats for everybody before the weekend arrives

bottom of page