Thanksgiving, Eh

Canadians may look like Americans and talk like Americans-almost. But our neighbors to the north differ in at least one important way: they celebrate Thanksgiving in October. As they have for the past 15 years, the Harvard Canadian Club, in an attempt to create a familiar atmosphere for Canucks abroad at Harvard while distancing themselves from crass U.S. customs, coordinated with the Dining Services staff to set up an elaborate annual buffet.

The night begins as large, muscular people sit at tables cordoned off from the chickwich-eating freshmen in Annenberg. As if the maple leaf-themed clothing isn't enough to prove their Canadian pride, when the Harvard University Band lines up to play "Oh, Canada," all 60 of the diners stand up and sing along. When conversation turns to hockey and Quebec separatism, there is no doubt that this is an authentic Canadian Thanksgiving.

In true Canadian style, the actual physical differences between the American and Canadian ways of celebrating are minor. Both are opportunities for family and friends to get together over the same traditional Thanksgiving cannon of turkey, stuffing, cranberries and mashed potatoes. The similarities stem from the fact that the holiday was originally American and only became a Canadian event after it was established in the U.S. Ryan D. Steingard '00, originally from Victoria, does not let this fact disturb him. "The U.S. had the original Thanksgiving, but we're just thankful were not Americans," he says.

The date of the holiday gives Canadians a feeling of superiority. "The original Thanksgiving originally happened around this time," swears Erron W. Titus '01 from Vancouver. Canadians also try to pretend there is a difference between the two celebrations by refusing to use the story of the hungry pilgrims and the helpful American Indians.

Instead, they base the festivities on the harvest. Because autumn comes earlier to Canada, if they waited until the end of November, snow would cover the crops and there wouldn't be much of a reason to party. But it's no revelation to Canadians that Americans don't know when to hold their own holiday. "Canadian Thanksgiving is set on a day that makes sense. We have a better sense of how to do everything," says James Y. Ko '00, a Toronto native.

Some non-Canadians have been able to infiltrate this world of funny, polite people. Alexandra M. Leichtman '01 is originally from Kansas, but she gobbled turkey right along with the Canadians. "Its a warm-up for the real American Thanksgiving. But they understand something far greater--the love of Canada." Dave M. Nicoll '02 came because of inspiration from his Canadian FOP leader.

The club's co-Prime Minister, Paul D. Todgham '99, says seeing Americans come to the dinner gives him more Canadian self-respect. "We are by nature interested in the U.S., but to have someone take an interest in Canada is special."

Although the members of the club appreciated the efforts of HDS, some said they were disappointed that the meal lacked the distinctly Canadian aspect of alcohol. Stu A. Szabo '02, one of many first-years to be spending his first Thanksgiving outside of Canada, says that his family has a tradition of drinking two bottles of Canadian wine. Conversations also repeatedly turned to the topic of the domination of Canadian beer.

After an hour of chatting and chomping, the Canadians turn their minds to desserts. They are surprised to see Boston cream cake end their meal, but go ahead and eat it anyway. Co-Prime Minister Gaby V. Novacek '99 explains the complaint behavior. "Canadians tend to be a far more reserved people."