Yesterday was Thanksgiving, and I can already hear you Americans, from Bangor, Maine to Southern California, saying, “Wait a minute, that’s not right!” So, let’s clear up some of these Turkey Day mix-ups.

When it comes to Thanksgiving, the cultural clash between the U.S. and Canada is a tale of two turkeys—both delicious but served on very different timetables. The U.S. throws its big turkey bash on the fourth Thursday of November, while Canada celebrates a full six weeks earlier, on the second Monday in October. We Canadians like to celebrate a bit earlier, because, well, it’s cold here. If we waited until late November like you guys, we’d be digging our turkeys out of a snowbank. Plus, our vegetables would be frozen solid. No one wants to gnaw on a turnip popsicle.

Now, when it comes to origins, the story is a little different too. While you Americans are all about Plymouth Rock and Pilgrims, some historians argue the first “real” Thanksgiving happened in Canada, in Nunavut of all places. Picture this: Sir Martin Frobisher, fresh off a sketchy boat ride from England to Newfoundland, celebrates his arrival with a gourmet meal of salt beef, mushy peas, and biscuits. Fancy, right? While folks in Newfoundland might still be sticking to that menu, the rest of Canada has upgraded a bit. Turkey, brussels sprouts (whether you love ’em or hate ’em), and the mighty tourtière, a French Canadian meat pie, are what’s really on the table.

Oh, and one thing we can all agree on—wherever you are in Canada—pumpkin pie is a must.

Because, let’s be honest, what’s Thanksgiving without a slice of gourd-flavored dessert?

So there you have it! We celebrate earlier, avoid frozen veggies, and still take our pumpkin pie just as seriously.

PS The annual Great White North Pumpkin Fair held in Alberta, Canada, awarded this year’s winner: a 2,137-pound pumpkin. That’s a lot pie.

Post image developed using AI generative image.