We’re a month ahead of the U.S. in our Thanksgiving Day. Most Americans are aware of this but confused as to the reason why. It’s because our harvest is earlier. Yes, that is the only reason.
It is a government legislated holiday. On January 31, 1957, Parliament proclaimed:
“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.“
Thanksgiving is the only holiday celebrated on both sides of the border but on different days. Easter is determined by the lunar calendar; Christmas is fixed to the 25th of December for a number of reasons. Both of these big days are the same where-ever in the world they are observed as official or cultural holidays.
So, that being said, I would like to wish my friends to the south a very happy Thanksgiving: may you be safe in your travels. Enjoy the day, enjoy the company and, most importantly, take a moment to be thankful.
Nova Scotia's annual Christmas present to Boston