Thanksgiving is a time-honored tradition celebrated by people in Canada and the United States. While both countries mark the holiday with feasts and gatherings of family and friends, there are some key differences between how the two celebrate.
We love an occasion to celebrate and give thanks - but it is even better if we can incorporate some time to travel and see new places. Allow us to provide some inspiration if you're looking to celebrate US Thanksgiving this year.
The history of US Thanksgiving
The history of Thanksgiving can be traced back to the early 1600s, when English settlers in North America began to observe a day of thanksgiving. The first official Thanksgiving Day celebration in the United States took place in 1789, when George Washington proclaimed it a national holiday. Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated every year on the fourth Thursday of November. Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for the blessings of the past year and to spend time with family and friends. It is also a time for food and fun, with traditional dishes like turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.
Similarities and differences between Canadian and US Thanksgiving
Both the United States and Canada celebrate Thanksgiving, but there are some key differences between the two holidays. In the US, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, while in Canada it falls on the second Monday of October. The Canadian holiday is more about giving thanks for the harvest, while the American holiday is more about giving thanks for blessings overall.
Overall, both Canadian and US Thanksgivings are times to come together and give thanks for all of the good things in life - something we can all get behind.
The best destinations for Canadians to celebrate US Thanksgiving
Canadians looking to celebrate US Thanksgiving should consider heading to one of the following destinations:
- New York City - New York City is home to some of the best Thanksgiving celebrations in the country. From parades to concerts, there is something for everyone in NYC over Thanksgiving weekend.
- Boston - Boston is another great city to celebrate Thanksgiving. The city is home to numerous events and activities, including the annual Turkey Trot race.
- Philadelphia - Philadelphia is another excellent destination for Canadians looking to celebrate US Thanksgiving. The city hosts many events over the holiday weekend, including the world-famous Mummers Parade.
- Chicago - Chicago is another great choice for Canadians wanting to celebrate US Thanksgiving. The city has several festive events and activities taking place over the holiday weekend.
- Los Angeles - Los Angeles is a great destination for those looking for warm weather during Thanksgiving. The city also has a few fun events and activities taking place over the holiday weekend
- Orlando - Florida's theme parks are a popular destination for Canadian tourists, and what better time to visit than over Thanksgiving weekend when all the parks are decked out in holiday cheer?
- San Francisco - Another popular destination for Canadian tourists is San Francisco. With its festive atmosphere and abundance of things to do, San Francisco is a great place to spend Thanksgiving weekend.
What about shopping?
After Thanksgiving, Americans celebrate Black Friday, which is traditionally the start of the holiday shopping season. Black Friday got its name because it is the day when retailers' black ink turns to red ink, signifying that they are finally operating at a profit for the year. On this day, stores offer deep discounts and specials on items to lure shoppers in. In recent years, Black Friday has become more and more commercialized, with stores opening earlier and earlier on the morning of Black Friday and offering more doorbuster deals than ever before. Some shoppers even camp out overnight in front of their favorite stores in order to be first in line for the best deals.
If you're planning on doing any shopping on Black Friday, there are a few things you should know. First, make a list of the items you're looking to buy and where you can find them at the best price. Second, familiarize yourself with the store's return policy in case you need to make a return. And finally, be prepared for crowds and long lines. With a little planning, you can make the most of Black Friday and get all the items on your holiday shopping list.
Tips for celebrating Thanksgiving like a pro
If you're looking to celebrate Thanksgiving like a pro, there are a few things you need to know:
- Make sure to plan ahead. The sooner you start planning, the more prepared you'll be to enjoy the time with family or friends, especially if you’re travelling to visit them.
- Decide what you want to cook. If you’re going to be hosting your own dinner, perhaps at an Airbnb or with family, you’ll need to be prepared! There are plenty of recipes online, or you can choose a classic dish like turkey or ham. But order your supplies ahead of time and consider having your order delivered to your destination’s address.
- Sort your travel insurance. If your plans to celebrate include travelling, be sure to make sure you have the right travel insurance coverage in place before you depart.
- Enjoy yourself! Thanksgiving is all about spending time with family and friends and enjoying good food.
