Canadian Thanksgiving vs. American Thanksgiving: What Makes Them Different?
Every fall, families in Canada and the United States gather to share meals, gratitude, and togetherness. But did you know that the Canadian and American Thanksgiving holidays are celebrated at different times of year — and with different traditions? Whether you’re Canadian, American, or simply curious, here’s everything you need to know about what sets these two holidays apart.
When are they celebrated?
- Canadian Thanksgiving takes place on the second Monday in October.
- American Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November.
The earlier Canadian date reflects its roots as a harvest festival, while the American holiday is tied to the 1621 feast shared by Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people.
Food traditions: Same turkey, different flavors
Both holidays center around big family feasts, but there are some tasty differences:
- Canadians often serve roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie — similar to their southern neighbors — but also include regional dishes like butter tarts or Nanaimo bars.
- Americans enjoy turkey too, but with sides like sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, and cornbread.
How they’re celebrated
- Canada: A long weekend often spent outdoors, giving thanks, and enjoying the fall harvest.
- United States: A bigger emphasis on parades (like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade) and the start of the holiday shopping season with Black Friday.
How Canadians and Americans abroad celebrate
From London to Sydney, expats recreate Thanksgiving meals with friends, share recipes online, and often send support back home to help loved ones cover seasonal costs.
Staying connected: Send money across borders, simply and securely
Whether you’re helping family with groceries, sending a festive gift, or covering travel costs, Paysend makes it easy to send money directly to bank accounts, cards, or wallets in both Canada and the U.S. With low fees, fast delivery, and no need for the recipient to set up an account, it’s the easiest way to share gratitude across borders.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving — wherever you celebrate
No matter which Thanksgiving you observe, the heart of the holiday is gratitude and togetherness. If you’re sending love (and support) home this season, do it the simple, secure way — with Paysend.
Ultimi post
Le feste potrebbero essere finite, ma i festeggiamenti continuano: abbiamo ora accreditato i premi per i nostri Giveaway di Dicembre. Ma per Paysend, i giveaway non riguardano solo vincere, ma riconoscere le persone reali dietro ogni trasferimento e le ragioni per cui inviare denaro è importante.
Uno dei nostri vincitori di dicembre ha condiviso questo con noi:
“Attualmente mi trovo nella Repubblica Ceca e grazie a Paysend posso inviare denaro ai miei genitori che vivono in Ucraina e stanno trovando difficile guadagnare soldi nelle condizioni attuali.”
Storie come questa ci ricordano perché Paysend esiste. Dietro ogni trasferimento c'è qualcuno che supporta la famiglia oltreconfine, spesso in momenti difficili. Essere in grado di inviare denaro facilmente, in modo sicuro e senza costi inutili può fare davvero la differenza.
When it comes to sending money across the world, trust and security come first. At Paysend, we’re proud to make global transfers quick and easy – but we also take your safety seriously. That’s why we have a few verification steps in place to make sure your money always gets where it needs to go, securely and without worry.
If you’ve ever wondered why we ask for a few extra details, this guide will explain what verification is, why it matters, and how it actually benefits you.
