As the crisp November air settles in and the golden hues of autumn leaves remind us of the beauty of change, our friends to the south gather today for one of their most cherished traditions: Thanksgiving. While here in Canada we celebrate our own Thanksgiving earlier in October, today we pause to reflect on the joy, gratitude, and togetherness that this holiday brings to our American neighbors.
Thanksgiving is more than just a feast—it is a celebration of family, friendship, and the blessings that enrich our lives. Across the United States, kitchens are alive with the aroma of roasted turkey, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, and countless family recipes passed down through generations. Tables are set not only with food but with stories, laughter, and the warmth of shared memories.
For many, Thanksgiving is a time to travel long distances, to reunite with loved ones, and to reconnect with traditions that anchor them. It is a day when bustling cities slow down, when small towns glow with parades and gatherings, and when football games and festive music fill the background of family homes. Yet beyond the festivities, the heart of Thanksgiving lies in gratitude.
Gratitude is a universal language. Whether celebrated in October or November, whether expressed through prayer, conversation, or quiet reflection, it reminds us to pause and appreciate the gifts we often take for granted. The roof over our heads, the food on our tables, the friendships that sustain us, and the opportunities that lie ahead—all deserve recognition.
As Canadians, we share much in common with our American friends. Our histories are intertwined, our cultures overlap, and our values of family, community, and generosity resonate across the border. Today, while our own Thanksgiving has passed, we join in spirit with those celebrating. We extend our warmest wishes for joy, peace, and abundance.
It is also a moment to reflect on the deeper meaning of Thanksgiving. Beyond the turkey and trimmings, the holiday invites us to consider how we can give back. Acts of kindness—whether volunteering at a local shelter, donating to food banks, or simply reaching out to someone who may feel alone—embody the true spirit of gratitude. In both Canada and the United States, communities thrive when generosity flows freely.
For our friends in the south, today may be filled with traditions unique to their families. Some may watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, marveling at the giant balloons and dazzling performances. Others may gather around the television for football, cheering for their favorite teams. Children may craft hand‑shaped turkeys, while grandparents share stories of Thanksgivings past. Each tradition, no matter how small, adds to the tapestry of memory that makes the holiday so special.
And of course, there is the feast. The Thanksgiving table is a symbol of abundance, but also of sharing. It reminds us that food is more than sustenance—it is a way of connecting, of showing love, and of celebrating life. Whether it’s a perfectly roasted turkey, a family‑secret stuffing recipe, or a slice of pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream, each dish carries meaning.
As we think of our friends celebrating today, we also recognize the challenges many face. Not everyone has a table overflowing with food or a home filled with laughter. For some, Thanksgiving is a reminder of loss, hardship, or distance. It is in these moments that community becomes most important. Reaching out, offering support, and extending friendship can transform the holiday into one of hope and healing.
From Toronto to Texas, from Vancouver to Virginia, the spirit of Thanksgiving unites us in gratitude. It is a reminder that borders may separate us geographically, but kindness and appreciation know no boundaries.
So today, we raise a toast to our American friends. May your homes be filled with warmth, your tables with abundance, and your hearts with gratitude. May the laughter of loved ones echo through your celebrations, and may the memories you create today carry you through the year ahead.
And as we reflect on this day, let us remember that gratitude is not confined to a single holiday. It is a practice we can carry into every day of our lives. By appreciating the small joys, by acknowledging the people who enrich our journeys, and by giving back to those in need, we keep the spirit of Thanksgiving alive all year long.
To our friends from the south: Happy Thanksgiving. May your celebration be as bright as the autumn sun, as comforting as a family recipe, and as enduring as the bonds of friendship that connect us across borders.
