Canada's Thanksgiving Dinner

Turkey, Stuffing and Giving Thanks During the Canadian Holiday

Oct 8, 2009

Canadians everywhere look forward to Thanksgiving every October. Celebrating the food, the family, the fun and the reasons why Thanksgiving is observed.

Thanksgiving in Canada is celebrated on the second Monday of every October, and the whole country does, in essence, give thanks. But amidst the food, the family gatherings and the long weekend, few ever stop to think about the real meaning of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving need not be only a historical tradition, but can also be a time for personal acts of giving thanks, such as music, reflection and an uplifted attitude.

Canadian Thanksgiving Tradition and Giving Thanks

Simply put, thanksgiving means “to give thanks.” This phrase makes it sound like a holiday that is devoted to being grateful. To some, it is, but in many cases, it has become another holiday somewhat devoted to a large, elaborate meal to be consumed with family and friends. Hours are spent preparing the meal, families come together to enjoy the meal, and the food becomes the focus of the day.

In Canada, Thanksgiving began with European explorers. The holiday experienced changes of meaning as Canadians tailored Thanksgiving to suit the reasons for which they were grateful. What many may not know (or remember) is that Thanksgiving as it is now celebrated in Canada is a reflection on the harvest.

Beyond the traditions of Thanksgiving day, it is a great time to bring more meaning to the holiday and begin a personal tradition of showing personal acts of thanksgiving.

Reflection and Gratitude on Canada's Thanksgiving Day

The act of giving thanks is older than any Canadian history. David gave thanks through music and poetry as he wrote many of the Psalms. As Psalm 150 reads, "Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; praise him with stringed instruments and flutes!... Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." (Psalm 150:3,4,6. NKJV) Music and poetry were a thanksgiving favourite of David's and are a good example for Christians who are looking for ways to give thanks.

Giving thanks to God is mentioned many times in the Bible, and music and poetry are only the beginning. Colossians advises, "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:17. NKJV) Giving thanks to God as described here is not a particular act, but more of a good attitude in "whatever you do." This is advice that may start with Thanksgiving, but it can extend into everyday life for anyone.

Canada's Harvest and Life's Blessings

Thanksgiving in Canada is a time to be grateful and technically, to be grateful for the harvest. In 1957, Thanksgiving was proclaimed by the Canadian Parliament as, “A day of general thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed.” And some may think: what better way to be grateful for the harvest than by having a feast? In a sense, Thanksgiving is the holiday that is actually about food. Enjoying a good meal with family is a great, tangible way to give thanks for a good harvest.

As Thanksgiving is a holiday to share with family and friends through familiar traditions, it can also be a very personal giving of thanks. It can be a time to truly count blessings and "forget not all His benefits." (Psalm 103:2. NKJV) Thinking about life's blessings is also a great way to lift spirits and see the brighter side of life.

Thanksgiving does not have to be only tradition. It does not have to be simply about food, or even the harvest, but can be a celebration that includes giving thanks for the many blessings in one's life.

The copyright of the article Canada's Thanksgiving Dinner in Spiritual Growth is owned by Michelle Pannecoucke. Permission to republish Canada's Thanksgiving Dinner in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.