This is the thread for those who are not celebrating U.S. Thanksgiving

[Canadian Socialist]

e.g. Canadians, Europeans, well, just about everyone else in the world. Enough with the turkey talk! And could someone explain the huge deal it is with Thanksgiving, down in the states? Thanksgiving is no big deal here. Well, except for the great food. Christmas is the big deal here, what with Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day... it's basically a week off (and if we're lucky, 10 days).

[matcom]

1. 'Boxing Day'

:eyes:



i KID i KID!

:hide:

[obxhead]

2. The hugh!!11!!! deal is...

Family, friends and lots of good food.
I enjoy it.

[Left Is Write]

3. The "huge deal" is that it's a cultural holiday.

Parades, food, football - and no one has to buy a gift!

American Thanksgiving is a holiday that is uniquely American. People love an excuse to celebrate and eat lots of food!

It's tradition. There's something comforting about tradition that makes the holiday itself comforting to many. It's also the kick-off to what we refer to as "the holiday season," and it gets some people into a festive mood.

Thanksgiving is no big deal in Canada. Well...Boxing Day isn't even a holiday here. That doesn't mean I begrudge the holiday to those who do observe it and enjoy it.

Christmas is the really big deal here too, as evidenced by the fact that the commercial aspect of Christmas steamrolls right over Thanksgiving.

[Kellanved]

4. Not even good food over here.

And I am harboring a bad case of MIS. Merkel Inauguration Syndrome :puke:

[CottonBear]

5. Family, lots of traditional food, naps, leftovers & football on TV.

The best part is no gift giving is required! Every family has a special family recipes and dishes. One depends on having the same traditional family meal, with little or no change, year after year. It is very comforting. After we eat, we all clean up the kitchen and take a nap. Then we wake up and eat leftovers and watch football all weekend! Some people go shopping on Friday but not me! (It's too crowded at malls and shopping centers!)
:)

[Canadian Socialist]

6. So, basically, it's like Christmas here

but without the gifts? 'Cause we stuff ourselves on Xmas day, watch hockey (usually minor league or a tournament), and then on Boxing Day, go wholesale shopping, and eat leftovers.

[CottonBear]

7. It's sort of like Canadian Christmas except it's totally secular holiday!

Everyone can participate! :)

[Canadian Socialist]

8. I think that "Christmas" in Canada is

a secular holiday as well. My SIL is Hindu; my nephews are First Nations; I am an agnostic. We just like the holiday time together. I call it Christmas, because that is what I was taught as a child. "Season's Greetings" is good, too.