Thanksgiving, Canadian-Style

If you live in Canada, or have at least had the opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving there, then you may have noticed a few significant differences from (and similarities to) the holiday's celebration in the U.S. First of all, the day: Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October (Columbus Day in the States). It is also sometimes celebrated on the weekend so that folks don't miss school or work — so it's hardly one of the top travel periods like it is south of the border.

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Additionally, Canadians don't cite the Pilgrims' story. The holiday celebrates the harvest, but this has no connection to the traditional U.S. story. The Canadian observance of the harvest was actually celebrated on different dates for many years (sometimes the same as the U.S. date) until 1899, when the government officially moved the celebration to mid-October.

So despite the major differences, what about the food? Turns out that the Thanksgiving meal is pretty much the same in both countries: turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie are all typical on many family tables.

To recognize of the similarities between the two countries, as well as their distinct differences, here' s a Thanksgiving recipe for butternut squash soup inspired by one of Canada's most beloved culinary staples: maple syrup.