Thanksgiving weekend is here again — a cherished time across Canada when families and friends come together to share meals, laughter, and gratitude. This year, the holiday falls on Monday, October 13, with many celebrations beginning over the weekend. While every family has its own way of celebrating, the heart of Thanksgiving remains the same: it’s a time to reflect, give thanks, and be present with one another.
Whether or not we feel we have reasons to be grateful, 2025 has been a both a tumultuous and a very rewarding year. And so, for this and for that reason, as we gather as families and as singletons, let us ponder the need for our gratitude. Above all, we can be grateful we have come to make Canada our homes. We can reflect on our lives, the ones we left behind and the dreams which excite our minds, ignite the fire in our souls and rest in the assurance that we are still here.
A Brief History of Thanksgiving in Canada
Thanksgiving in Canada has deep roots. The first recorded Thanksgiving was in 1578, when English explorer Martin Frobisher held a ceremony in Newfoundland to give thanks for safe passage to the New World. This event happened long before the American tradition began. Over time, Thanksgiving in Canada became a national celebration — first tied to harvest festivals and later officially recognized as a statutory holiday in 1957, when Parliament declared it “a day of general thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed.”
Unlike in the U.S., where Thanksgiving is in late November, Canada celebrates earlier in October — in tune with the earlier harvest season in the North.
Why People Celebrate Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving has evolved into more than just a harvest celebration. Today, it’s a moment to pause and appreciate the good things in life — health, family, friendships, opportunities, and community. For many families, it’s a weekend of shared meals, football games, fall walks, cozy gatherings, and traditions like turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.
But beyond the food and festivities, Thanksgiving carries a quiet invitation to reflect. It reminds people to be intentionally grateful — even in difficult seasons. For some, this gratitude is expressed through faith and prayer; for others, through storytelling, acts of kindness, or volunteering to support those in need.
Newcomers and the Spirit of Belonging
For new immigrants, Thanksgiving can feel both new and meaningful. Many arrive in Canada without family nearby or without familiar traditions. But this holiday offers something beautiful: a chance to belong, to share stories, and to create new memories in a new country.
Most countries away from North America do not celebrate Thanksgiving so it may take a minute or two to get into the culture of the celebration. But, it is my observation upon reflection, that our minds are healthier when we dwell upon the good and when we are grateful for that which we have. We celebrate harvest and what have you at our churches but Thanksgiving is a nod that Christmas is getting close by.
Some newcomers choose to celebrate in their own way — hosting small dinners with friends, cooking traditional dishes from their home country, or joining community gatherings. Others volunteer or attend local events, finding connection and warmth in shared spaces. Over time, Thanksgiving becomes not just a Canadian holiday, but a personal tradition that reflects their own journey of gratitude.
For many immigrant families, the holiday carries extra weight: gratitude for safety, new opportunities, and the chance to build a new life. It’s also a time to remember where they came from — blending old traditions with new ones.
An Opportunity to Build Community
One of the most beautiful things about Thanksgiving is that it creates space for connection. It doesn’t matter where someone comes from — everyone understands the language of food, gratitude, and togetherness. This makes Thanksgiving a wonderful opportunity for communities to welcome newcomers, share stories, and build friendships that go beyond cultural lines.
Community organizations, churches, and neighborhood groups often host Thanksgiving dinners where people of all backgrounds can come together. These gatherings remind us that gratitude grows when it’s shared.
A Gentle Reminder
As we prepare our tables and hearts for the long weekend, it’s worth remembering that gratitude isn’t about having everything — it’s about seeing the good in what we have. Whether your Thanksgiving is loud and full of laughter or quiet and reflective, it’s a time to hold close the people and moments that matter most.
From our community to yours, Happy Thanksgiving. May this weekend bring warmth, connection, and new memories — whether you’ve been here all your life or just arrived in Canada this year.
