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.
Mga Pinakabagong Post
Throughout August, Paysend is doubling referral rewards. Invite a friend and you'll earn $6 USD, or equivalent local currency, for every successful referral — up to $72 in total. The offer runs from 1 to 31 August, and it applies automatically to every eligible referral made during that window.
Referring friends to Paysend already earns a reward in a normal month. This August, that reward simply goes further. Every friend who joins through your link and completes a qualifying transfer earns you $6 instead of the usual $3, and the total you can earn across the month rises from $36 to $72. It’s easy to invite a friend - just share your invite a friend link found in the app.
Sending money digitally is quick and convenient, but it also involves important security, verification, and fraud prevention checks. In most cases these checks happen automatically in the background.
If you’ve ever wondered why Paysend asks you to verify your identity, why a transfer might be reviewed, or how your money is protected, the answer is simple: these processes are designed to keep you, your money, and your recipient safe.
Every digital money transfer relies on trust, regulation, and security systems working together. While these checks can sometimes feel like an extra step, they are a standard and essential part of how modern money transfers stay secure.
