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O' Grateful Hearts


Today was the Canadian Thanksgiving Day.  A holiday that I adore.  

When we first moved to Canada some twenty odd years ago,  Thanksgiving was our first foray into the North American culture.  Never before had we as a family formally celebrated our gratitude in general.    

That first year, we gathered at my Uncle's home.  They had moved to Canada some years earlier and were thankfully, our official guides to all things Canadian.

The dinner table looked lovely and the wonderful meal was unlike any other.  The ceremonious cutting of the turkey made me feel giddy and thankful. 

And then I learned the history of Thanksgiving in Canada, which goes back to an explorer in 1578 in search of a safe passage to the Pacific Ocean, who celebrated his return home with a formal ceremonial meal.  I learned that the holiday is rooted in giving thanks for safe homecomings, surviving long journeys... 

How appropriate I thought.  

Herb Roasted Chicken, Beets with Tofu and Chick Peas, Sweet Potatoe with Spiced Prunes, Salad with Miso Ginger Dressing

Tonight, Mr. Urban, our girl and I celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving on a California patio under a lovely sunset.  And I truly hope that my girl grows to appreciate the value and wonder of community traditions, formal family meals, and grateful hearts, wherever her journey happens to take her.

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving.
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  1. AnonymousOctober 22, 2010 at 9:35 AM

    I have celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving wherever I have lived outside Canada; London, Los Angeles. In Los Angeles we used to seat 24 adults and children, and, yes, we celebrated safe journeys, both personal and professional. The tradition died when I moved to Palo Alto and Martha went away to school. Next year we must celebrate together.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Urban GirlOctober 22, 2010 at 11:16 AM

    We'd love that Anne... I must say that we do miss having a larger group at the table, celebrating Thanksgiving with us.

    ReplyDelete

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