Lesson & Activities - Celebrating Thanksgiving: A Tradition of Thankfulness and Togetherness
- Learn English with NETOL
- Oct 6, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 1
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Celebrating Thanksgiving
Speaking Activity
Conversation Questions
Instructions:
Listen to and read the conversation questions.
Practice your speaking by answering each question out loud.
See some possible answers to the conversation questions by clicking the side arrows next to each question.
Conversation Questions
1. When is Thanksgiving celebrated in Canada?
Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October.
2. How does the Thanksgiving holiday make you feel?
The thanksgiving holiday makes me feel happy, warm on the inside, and grateful.
3. What traditional food do you enjoy eating on Thanksgiving?
I enjoy eating turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and dessert like warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream..
4. Can you name some popular Thanksgiving decorations?
Some popular Thanksgiving decorations include leaves and pumpkins,
5. What is your favourite part of the Thanksgiving celebration?
My favourite part of the Thanksgiving celebration is spending time with family and friends.
Writing Activity
Pre-Reading Vocabulary
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Copy the words from below.
Look up the definitions of the words online.
Get to know the definitions of each word
Important Words
Celebrating Thanksgiving
holiday
festive
gathering
decorate
cornucopia
origins
explorer
gratitude
settlers
harvest
meals
stuffing
Reading Activity
Celebrating Thanksgiving
Instructions:
Read the following passage about Thanksgiving.
Thereafter, listen to the audio - Celebrating Thanksgiving.
Note: Reading out loud when learning a new language is important because it helps you practice your pronunciation. When you speak the words, you can hear how they sound, and this will improve your speaking skills.
9
Celebrating Thanksgiving
A Tradition of Thankfulness and Togetherness
Thanksgiving is a very special holiday in Canada, where families and friends come together to give thanks for all the good things in their lives. This festive occasion is celebrated during the autumn season on the second Monday in October, a date that sets it apart from the American Thanksgiving, which is celebrated in November. The Thanksgiving celebration is marked by cheerful gatherings and delicious meals.
Decorating The Home For Thanksgiving
In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, many Canadians begin decorating their homes with beautiful autumn colours such as orange, yellow, red, and brown to reflect the natural beauty of the season. It is common to see a cornucopia overflowing with fruits and vegetables placed as the centrepiece on dining tables.
The cornucopia is joined by other decorations, such as autumn leaves hung on doorways, and pumpkins and gourds arranged around the home. These decorations not only brighten the space but also remind us of the importance of the harvest season.
The Origins of Thanksgiving
The origins of Canadian Thanksgiving extend back many years. The very first Thanksgiving in Canada was celebrated in 1578 when an explorer named Martin Frobisher held a grand feast to express his gratitude for a safe journey.
Later, during the 1600s, French settlers adapted their traditions and began celebrating the harvest with meals shared with family, friends, and neighbours. Over time, these traditions grew into a cherished holiday called Thanksgiving that is celebrated with pride and joy across the country.
How Do We Celebrate Thanksgiving Today?
Today, the Thanksgiving holiday is a time for Canadians to reflect on what truly matters. People give thanks for their health, their homes, and the love of their family and friends. Thanksgiving provides an opportunity to step back from daily routines and appreciate the blessings that have enriched their lives.
A Thanksgiving Feast of Classic Dishes
On Thanksgiving, families have gatherings and enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal that includes traditional Thanksgiving dishes such as turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, roasted yams, green bean casserole, roasted potatoes, corn, and cranberry sauce. For dessert, many people enjoy eating a slice of apple or pumpkin pie, which adds a sweet touch to the festive meal.
Concluding Thoughts: Celebrating Thankfulness and Togetherness on Thanksgiving
In conclusion, Thanksgiving in Canada is a special day to give thanks and come together as a community. People gather to enjoy each other's company, share a tasty meal, and think about the good things in their lives. This holiday reminds us to value the small joys and the close bonds that we have in our lives.
Listening Activity
Celebrating Thanksgiving
Instructions:
Press the play buttons below.
Listen to the audio file.
Use the reading from above to follow along with the audio file.
Celebrating Thanksgiving: A Tradition of Thankfulness and Togetherness
Reading & Writing
Matching Activity
Popular Thanksgiving Dishes
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Make a list from 1 to 14.
Read each Thanksgiving dish description.
Use the Popular Thanksgiving Dishes image from below to decide which Thanksgiving meal each description portrays by writing your answers on your paper.
Check your answers by clicking on the side arrows next to each dish description.
Popular Thanksgiving Dishes
Matching Activity
Thanksgiving Dish Description 1: This creamy dish is made by boiling starchy tuber vegetables and then mashing them with a little butter and milk. Its smooth texture makes it a comforting side. Which dish does this description portray?
Mashed Potatoes
Thanksgiving Dish Description 2: This large bird is roasted with herbs until it is golden. It is often the centrepiece of a festive meal and is known for its mild flavour. Which dish does this description portray?
Turkey
Thanksgiving Dish Description 3: This sweet dessert features a baked pastry filled with spiced fruit. It is served warm with a scoop of cold, creamy ice cream for a delightful contrast. Which dish does this description portray?
Apple Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream
Thanksgiving Dish Description 4: This savoury mix is made with bread, herbs, and vegetables. Baked until it has a soft texture, it is a classic accompaniment during the festive season. Which dish does this description portray?
Stuffing
Thanksgiving Dish Description 5: This light soup is smooth and slightly sweet. It is prepared by blending an orange-coloured vegetable with cream and a touch of mild spices. Which dish does this description portray?
Butternut Squash Soup
Thanksgiving Dish Description 6: This dish is made by cooking sweet kernels in a rich, creamy sauce with a bit of butter and milk. Its soft texture and slight sweetness make it a comforting side. Which dish does this description portray?
Creamed Corn
Thanksgiving Dish Description 7: This is a sauce that is tangy and sweet. It is created by slowly cooking small red berries with sugar until they form a thick, sticky topping. Which dish does this description portray?
Cranberry Sauce
Thanksgiving Dish Description 8: This pork dish is baked and coated with a shiny, sweet glaze made from honey. It offers a savoury taste with a hint of smokiness. Which dish does this description portray?
Honey Glazed Ham
Thanksgiving Dish Description 9: This dish consists of small pasta pieces mixed with melted, rich cheese. Baked until the top is golden and crispy, it is a favourite during celebrations. Which dish does this description portray?
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Thanksgiving Dish Description 10: This dish features crisp green vegetables combined in a creamy sauce and topped with crunchy fried onions. It is a traditional and simple side. Which dish does this description portray?
Green Bean Casserole
Take Our Poll
Favourite Thanksgiving Dishes
What is your favourite Thanksgiving dish?
Turkey
Stuffing
Butternut Squash Soup
Honey Glazed Ham
Test Your Knowledge By Taking Our Quiz
Instructions:
Read the 10 multiple-choice questions from below.
Answer each question.
Click the Submit button when you are done.
Click the View Score button to see how you did on the quiz.
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Written by: Nicole WT
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