How the Moving2Canada Team is Celebrating Thanksgiving in 2025

This year, our plans look a little different for each of us — but they all share one thing in common: good food, good company, and gratitude for the moments that make us feel at home, wherever we’re from. 

Rebecca’s “Not-So-Canadian” Thanksgiving 

For more than a decade, Rebecca has packed her bags and headed south — to Vermont to spend time with her family. “Not very Canadian,” she laughs, “but it’s where we celebrate.” Her Thanksgiving table is a fusion of North American and British classics, anchored by something she insists no meal should be without: Yorkshire puddings. 

“It’s a meal that feels familiar,” she says. “Thanksgiving dinner reminds me of the Sunday roasts I grew up with — the gravy, the roast vegetables, all of it.” 

Rachel’s Two-for-One Celebration 

If there were a gold medal for Thanksgiving enthusiasm, Rachel would take it home. She celebrates not once but twice — with both a Friendsgiving and a family dinner. 

Each year, the hosting duties rotate, and the meal is done potluck-style. Everyone brings a dish to share (and maybe a secret recipe or two). But the highlight isn’t just the food — it’s the games. 

“We always set up mini competitions,” Rachel says. “Each household brings a $20 gift card, and whoever wins the game gets the prize.” 

It’s playful and it’s full of laughter — a reminder that gratitude and fun can go hand in hand, especially when there’s friendly competition involved. 

Her version of Thanksgiving may cross borders, but it captures the spirit of the holiday perfectly — comfort, family, and a plate piled high with everything delicious. 

Indira’s Colombian Twist on a Canadian Classic 

For Indira, this is only her second Thanksgiving in Canada — and she’s loving every moment of discovering the traditions that come with it. She’s heading to Oakville to spend the weekend with her partner’s family, where dinner will be a cultural blend of turkey and Colombian favourites. 

“In Colombia, we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving,” she says, “so it’s been really interesting to learn about the history and how it’s different in Canada and the U.S. I’ve been finding little ways to join in while keeping parts of my own traditions too.” 

Her story captures the heart of what makes Canadian Thanksgiving special: it’s less about where the traditions come from and more about how we make them our own. 

Ruairi’s Relaxed Approach 

While others are carving turkeys and playing games, Ruairi is keeping things simple this year — a casual dinner at his brother’s place and, most importantly, a day to unwind. 

“Thanksgiving isn’t really a big thing for us,” he admits. “We’re just grateful for the day off.” 

And honestly, who can argue with that? Sometimes the best way to celebrate gratitude is to do absolutely nothing at all. 

Steph’s Feast and Family Fun 

Steph’s Thanksgiving traditions are usually warm and fun — the kind that can only come from a kitchen in full swing. 

“My partner’s family goes all out,” she says. “We arrive early in the afternoon and spend the day chatting, playing board games, and eating an unbelievable amount of food.” 

His mom and sister are culinary wizards, turning out an endless spread of seasonal dishes, while his dad ensures everyone’s drinks are topped up. He’s also vigilant when it comes to checking that absolutely no-one is cheating at the games, and is known to feed the dogs turkey scraps while he carves. This is a tradition I’m sure the pups are very thankful for. 

A Holiday Full of Thanks 

No two Thanksgiving tables look quite the same across the Moving2Canada team — and that’s exactly what makes it beautiful. From Vermont to Vancouver, from British roasts to Colombian comfort food, every tradition reflects where we’ve come from and what we’ve found here in Canada. 

Whether your weekend involves a full house or a quiet evening in, we hope it’s filled with gratitude, warmth, and a touch of global flair — just like ours.