I celebrate Thanksgiving twice; once in October and once in November. It may seem absurd, but I love it. Unlike American Thanksgiving, which is celebrated every fourth Thursday in November, Canadian Thanksgiving is held on the second Monday in October. Although the celebrations first occurred on November 6, 1879, the date has greatly varied from year to year. Recently, Thanksgiving has mostly fallen in October. Due to different weather and climate, Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated in October since harvest is earlier.
Eagerly, I look forward to both Thanksgiving every year but not because of the food; I look forward to it because it highlights what I love about both sides of my family. Every weekend before Canadian Thanksgiving, my mom and I Facetime our family in Canada as they prepare their feasts. We may not indulge in a feast of our own but I greatly appreciate knowing what food my relatives will be eating. I cannot see my Canadian family very often since they live so far away so I cherish every moment I have with them. From witty jokes to random facts, my Canadian family always puts me in a good mood. Every Canadian Thanksgiving I am reminded how thankful I am to call them my family. I am also reminded how thankful I am for my American family once American Thanksgiving rolls around. Every year, I spend time with my Grandma and sometimes other relatives. Happily, I help prepare food, socialize with my family, and eat the best turkey. American Thanksgiving is always best when my grandma hosts because she sets up the fanciest and most festive table decorations known to man. Appreciative, I take in every moment during Thanksgiving knowing that it is a privilege to be able to celebrate the holiday with my family face to face.
Thanksgiving means more than food. Thanksgiving is the day to come together as a family, whether virtual or face-to-face, to celebrate all the reasons to be thankful. I am forever grateful for having Thanksgiving twice.