Spoiler alert: gratitude is universal.
Over here in the States, we may think we’ve cornered the market with Thanksgiving, but many countries have long-standing celebrations centered on harvest, family, and appreciation.
Like us, other countries honor good fortune and the people who share it with them.
And globally, everyone has a crazy uncle at the table.
Canada
To our north, Canada actually calls it Thanksgiving, or in Quebec, Action de grâce.
Occurring in October, the meal looks somewhat familiar to Americans—roast turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie—but families often incorporate regional touches like butter tarts, tourtière (meat pie), or local maple-infused dishes.
The day tends to be calm and unhurried, centered on gathering before winter arrives rather than orchestrating a large production…yeah, definitely not American.
Germany
Germans celebrate Erntedankfest (gesundheit!) in October, a festival rooted in agricultural traditions and more German-sounding words.
Churches hold special services, towns organize parades, and communities donate fresh produce as a way to recognize the year’s harvest.
Okay, let’s get to the food part. The Erntedankfest meal includes Roast goose or roast chicken zwiebelkuchen (onion tart), fresh breads and rolls, harvest vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and cabbage, and apple desserts such as Apfelkuchen.
Japan
Kinrō Kansha no Hi or Labor Thanksgiving Day, celebrated in November, shifts the spotlight from food (boring) to appreciation for workers and community contributions.
Schools and companies take this day to thank public servants, coworkers, and one another. It creates a thoughtful pause during a busy time of year, highlighting respect for the people who keep society running.
Actually, that’s pretty cool.
South Korea
During Chuseok, one of the country’s most important holidays taking place on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, families return to their hometowns, share traditional meals, and honor ancestors through rituals and gatherings. It’s a time when generations connect, stories get told, and families reaffirm their bonds.
At the American Thanksgiving table, I could totally see the stories going off the rails.
On to the food: songpyeon (half-moon rice cakes filled with sweet or nutty fillings); bulgogi, pancakes, fruits, and freshly harvested rice.
Yum.
Liberia
In Liberia, they call it Thanksgiving, and it happens in November.
The holiday blends church services with community meals, like jollof rice, fried plantains, and roasted chicken or fish. Families gather with friends and neighbors in a lively, open atmosphere that feels both celebratory and reflective.
Even if no one requests it, I’m bringing fried plantains to every Thanksgiving for now on.
Grenada
Grenada celebrates Thanksgiving in October, but for a very different reason. Their holiday commemorates the U.S. intervention in 1983. Residents reflect on national recovery and community strength, making the day a meaningful part of their collective story.
USA! USA! USA!
No matter where you are, it seems there’s one universal truth about gratitude celebrations: they all end with someone too full to move and vowing never to eat that much again…until next year.
🙏 SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT 🙏
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