A Canadian Thanksgiving Reflection from Victoria Zyluk

Happy Thanksgiving, dear friends and art lovers! As golden leaves swirl and the air turns crisp, I want to send warm wishes from my studio to yours. May your day be filled with comfort, connection, and the quiet joy of gratitude.

While many people associate Thanksgiving with November traditions south of the border, here in Canada, we celebrate a little differently — and a little earlier. So let’s take a moment to honour what makes Canadian Thanksgiving uniquely ours.

🇨🇦 Canadian vs 🇺🇸 American Thanksgiving: A Gentle Contrast

• Timing: Canadian Thanksgiving falls on the second Monday of October, aligning with the harvest season and giving us a beautiful autumnal pause. In contrast, American Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.

• Origins: Canada’s Thanksgiving roots trace back to 1578, when English explorer Martin Frobisher gave thanks for safe passage through the Arctic. It later evolved into a harvest celebration. The American version, meanwhile, commemorates the 1621 feast shared between Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people.

• Tone and Traditions: Canadian Thanksgiving tends to be more low-key — a time for family, food, and perhaps a hike through golden woods. American Thanksgiving often includes parades, football, and a four-day weekend. In Canada, we might shift our feast to Saturday or Sunday for convenience.

• Flavours: Both countries love their turkey, but Canadian tables often feature regional twists — from pierogies and cabbage rolls in the Prairies to Jiggs dinner in Newfoundland. Our pumpkin pie tends to be spicier too, with ginger, nutmeg, and cloves dancing through each bite.

🎨 Upcoming: Beacon Original Art Exhibition

As we savour this day of thanks, I’m also thrilled to invite you to the Beacon Original Art Exhibition & Sale this coming Saturday and Sunday, October 18–19, at the Bridgeland Riverside Community Association in Calgary. Over 45 local artists will be showcasing paintings, photography, sculpture, textiles, and more — a celebration of creativity and community spirit. Admission is free, and the atmosphere is always warm and welcoming.

Wishing you a beautiful Thanksgiving, Victoria Zyluk