I know Canada and the United States observe Thanksgiving in a similar way
If that is the case, why aren’t they recognized on the same day?
I decided to do a little research to find out why this is so
There are probably other people who would like to know
It might surprise you that Canada’s origin was before the States
“Martin Frobisher” hosted it in Newfoundland and 1578 was the date
Forty three years later the “Pilgrims” at “Plymouth Rock” would have their celebration
Many years before either one of our countries was a nation
What “Frobisher” started would evolve into a harvest festival over many years
It was at the time of the “American Revolution” before a turkey dinner would appear
Neither country over the years would have a fixed date
It became official in 1941 for the “United States”
It is on the last Thursday in November and is a four day long weekend down there
This is their busiest weekend as people are traveling everywhere
In 1957 “Canada” would choose the second Monday in October as the holiday
It’s a three day stretch up here, we didn’t get that extra day
All fifty states celebrate this holiday throughout the land
In “Canada” it is optional in “Prince Edward Island”, “New Brunswick”, “Nova Scotia”, “Labrador” and “Newfoundland”
The meals are very similar on each side of the border
There might be a little variance in the spices of your order
“Black Friday” is the date when the most money is being spent
These four days in America are filled with so many events
Remember this is just a month before “Christmas” and everything’s on sale
You have the option of standing in long lines or get your items in the mail
It is so robust that “Canada” follows their lead
They really haven’t a choice if they are hoping to succeed
Up here we may have a couple of “CFL” football games on our day
The “Americans” don’t hold back and just go all the way
More sports than you can possibly watch and even a parade
There is no way you will be able to catch every game that’s played
This year we have the “Blue Jays” on a playoff drive
Hoping after this weekend that they are still alive
“NHL” doesn’t start until Wednesday so there are no games to view
Hope you enjoy the holiday no matter what you decide to do
Nowadays “Thanksgiving” garnishes so much more appeal
We are more concerned about “sales” and “sports” than we are about the meal
The Black Sheep Poet 