Is Canadian Thanksgiving becoming more about relaxation and less about traditional meaning?
More Chill, Less Tradition? Canadian Thanksgiving Shifts in Meaning
Canadian Thanksgiving in 2025 continues to be a time for gratitude, gatherings, and fall festivities. Celebrated on the second Monday in October, it's a statutory holiday in most provinces, with traditions centered on harvest, family meals, and seasonal appreciation. While many still embrace its roots, there's a growing perception that the holiday is becoming more about relaxation and a long weekend than historical or cultural reflection. The Canadian Football League’s Thanksgiving Day Classic remains a mainstay, and the Kitchener–Waterloo Oktoberfest parade adds festive flair. Meanwhile, a recent study finds that while Canadians will pay slightly more overall for their Thanksgiving dinner in 2025, turkey may actually cost less than last year. These shifts raise the question of what Thanksgiving now means to Canadians.
Options
- Yes, it's more about time off now
- No, traditions still matter most
- Both — depends on the family
- Not sure / never really celebrated