Canadian Thanksgiving...Relatives coming over to the USA...

[antda 13]

Hi Everyone,

Thanksgiving is coming up! Gobble gobble! So, what are your plans and traditions for this special day? Are you going to have turkey this year? For me, I'm probably going to have two thanksgivings this year, as we celebrate both the Canadian and American thanksgivings. They are both the same really, for us it is celebrated big meals of turkey and other delicious foods, and reflecting on what we are thankful for. The only difference: one is celebrated in the fall-like weather in October with the Canadian relatives, and the other in the winter-like weather in November with the American relatives. Do you like celebrating Thanksgiving in October, or in November, or it doesn't matter to you at all? What are the things you are thankful for during this time of the year?

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving to all you Canadian Vjers too! May you enjoy this holiday with your family, friends, and loved ones..

As for my Canadian Thanksgiving (lol..which I'm still trying to convince my USC husband that it is Thanksgiving in October), this year, since I can't make a trip over to Canada with my newborn baby as of yet (he's too young for international travel or any long distnace travel), it looks like I'll be celebrating that here in the USA instead...Yup, I'm hosting Canadian Thanksgiving dinner for my Canadian relatives here in the USA.......yikes...

I already got the turkey (a small one 3lb one..lol..didn't want a turkey bigger than the 10lb baby...), stuffing, potoes, gravy, veggies. Will shop for rolls, dessert, and other food items later this week....

So else what should I do and/or shop for, or ask them to bring over? Any suggestions on how to make them feel more welcomed into the area (it's their first visit here)? What should I tell my Canadian visitors about visiting and bringing stuff over the border (they are travelling by greyhound/bus)? Are there any rules and/or restrictions for what to bring over (is there a website I can find this info, as I can't find such)?

As well, any tips as to how to make this celebration go as smooth as possible, with baby and all?

I want this to be a thankful celebration, not the next family feud! Lol..

Any other thoughts, ideas, suggestions?

Thanks in advance for your help, and Happy Canadian Thanksgiving, everyone! ....

Ant

Edited October 11, 2009 by Ant+D+A

[M613 6]

So else what should I do and/or shop for, or ask them to bring over?

Just do the usual Thanksgiving fare that most people do/you grew up with; from someone who often does dinnery things for our brood of bachelor friends, if food is there, people will eat! Should you be aware of anyone being a vegetarian, a veggie lasagna or something usually works (for the meat eaters too)

Any suggestions on how to make them feel more welcomed into the area (it's their first visit here)?

Take them on a tour in a car! Hit the usual spots where you're staying is known for.

What should I tell my Canadian visitors about visiting and bringing stuff over the border (they are traveling by greyhound/bus)? Are there any rules and/or restrictions for what to bring over (is there a website I can find this info, as I can't find such)?

This might be handy...just make sure they don't have a stockpile of Haitian animal hide drums... hehehe

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation..._restricted.xml

Most importantly of all, enjoy and get you and everyone else super happy full!!

Edited October 11, 2009 by M613

[antda 13]

Hi M613 (and Everyone),

Thanks for your quick and helpful reply...

I didn't grow up with too many Thanksgiving celebrations in Canada, but from the few that we had, I'm sure that I can come up with something that's similar. I agree, regardless of the celebration/holiday, "if there is food, people will eat". So on that note, I'll definitely have a lot of food handy, and lots of different types of food to go around too, and make sure they are happy and stuffed with all of that. No vegetarians here...but I do know that some family members prefer vegetables...so will have lots of those handy too...Actually, there are a lot of farmers around here (I live in a country/rural area) who are selling a lot of fresh fruits and veggies, so maybe I'll let my guests choose what veggies they want too....a local trip and food at the same time...yum....Good idea too about the veggie lasagna or veggie pasta dish. I haven't made one of those before, so will have to experiment with that....Lol..meanwhile, I've made some vegetarian chili, so that will have to do for now, until I figure out how to make a vegetarian pasta dish. I was also thinking of a salad too, or something like that...

Yes, we'll definitely take a tour in a car (lol..that's the only mode of transportation around here...)! It's nice too, with the fall colours/leaves around here, and to drive around and sightsee the country roads and parks. Not sure if there are any "hot spots" (lol..it's actually quite cold here), but there are places to go anyways. Hmm..our area is known for mountains and nature and that type of thing...but I'm sure we can find something to do around here...I was actually thinking of visiting the Amish area nearby too...As well, we can take a tour of Buffalo and Niagara Falls again, if they get bored of the rural/country area....(lol..and stop by the local Buffalo NY USCIS office for a tour there..just kidding...).

Thanks for the link about what to bring/what not to bring to the USA. I was looking for the link online, and couldn't find it. And now that you found if for me, I don't have to worry about that anymore. I bookmarked it, and forwarded it to my relatives, so they know in advance what to bring/not to bring. Lol..Don't worry, no Hatian animal hide drums (what the heck?) here! Just boxes and boxes of chocolate smarties candy (yes, I like to stockpile on those...it's my Canadian addiction...lol..) and maybe some other goodies and surprises. I've told them too, not to bring too much, and whatever they need, we can shop for here in the USA (A tour of Super Walmart, anyone?...lol...). Funny, the stuff they list on the website...

Meanwhile, it's back to cleaning up and preparing for the guests...Less than 24 hours until they come over...chaos, indeed!...

Again, Happy Thanksgiving to all Canadian VJers! Enjoy and be thankful for this holiday filled with family, friends, and food!

Ant

So else what should I do and/or shop for, or ask them to bring over?

Just do the usual Thanksgiving fare that most people do/you grew up with; from someone who often does dinnery things for our brood of bachelor friends, if food is there, people will eat! Should you be aware of anyone being a vegetarian, a veggie lasagna or something usually works (for the meat eaters too)

Any suggestions on how to make them feel more welcomed into the area (it's their first visit here)?

Take them on a tour in a car! Hit the usual spots where you're staying is known for.

What should I tell my Canadian visitors about visiting and bringing stuff over the border (they are traveling by greyhound/bus)? Are there any rules and/or restrictions for what to bring over (is there a website I can find this info, as I can't find such)?

This might be handy...just make sure they don't have a stockpile of Haitian animal hide drums... hehehe

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation..._restricted.xml

Most importantly of all, enjoy and get you and everyone else super happy full!!

Edited October 12, 2009 by Ant+D+A

[Colleens 40]

Hi Everyone,

Thanksgiving is coming up! Gobble gobble! So, what are your plans and traditions for this special day? Are you going to have turkey this year? For me, I'm probably going to have two thanksgivings this year, as we celebrate both the Canadian and American thanksgivings. They are both the same really, for us it is celebrated big meals of turkey and other delicious foods, and reflecting on what we are thankful for. The only difference: one is celebrated in the fall-like weather in October with the Canadian relatives, and the other in the winter-like weather in November with the American relatives. Do you like celebrating Thanksgiving in October, or in November, or it doesn't matter to you at all? What are the things you are thankful for during this time of the year?

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving to all you Canadian Vjers too! May you enjoy this holiday with your family, friends, and loved ones..

As for my Canadian Thanksgiving (lol..which I'm still trying to convince my USC husband that it is Thanksgiving in October), this year, since I can't make a trip over to Canada with my newborn baby as of yet (he's too young for international travel or any long distnace travel), it looks like I'll be celebrating that here in the USA instead...Yup, I'm hosting Canadian Thanksgiving dinner for my Canadian relatives here in the USA.......yikes...

I already got the turkey (a small one 3lb one..lol..didn't want a turkey bigger than the 10lb baby...), stuffing, potoes, gravy, veggies. Will shop for rolls, dessert, and other food items later this week....

So else what should I do and/or shop for, or ask them to bring over? Any suggestions on how to make them feel more welcomed into the area (it's their first visit here)? What should I tell my Canadian visitors about visiting and bringing stuff over the border (they are travelling by greyhound/bus)? Are there any rules and/or restrictions for what to bring over (is there a website I can find this info, as I can't find such)?

As well, any tips as to how to make this celebration go as smooth as possible, with baby and all?

I want this to be a thankful celebration, not the next family feud! Lol..

Any other thoughts, ideas, suggestions?

Thanks in advance for your help, and Happy Canadian Thanksgiving, everyone! ....

Ant

How many people are you expecting? A rule of thumb is to allow for 1.5lbs of turkey per person, so I 3lb turkey won't get you far....not even sure if you can find a 3lb turkey!! You have to remember that the bones of the turkey take up some of the weight and that it will "shrink" a little while it cooks. Good luck for a great dinner, and Happy Thanksgiving!!

[trailmix 77]

How many people are you expecting? A rule of thumb is to allow for 1.5lbs of turkey per person, so I 3lb turkey won't get you far....not even sure if you can find a 3lb turkey!! You have to remember that the bones of the turkey take up some of the weight and that it will "shrink" a little while it cooks. Good luck for a great dinner, and Happy Thanksgiving!!

I was wondering the same thing!

[antda 13]

Hi Colleens and Trailmix,

In answer to your question: I'm actually expecting 2 Canadians to come over for Canadian Thanksgiving. Lol..I invited a few more, but because of health reasons, or whatever else, they declined...oh well, maybe next year for them. So for Canadian Thanksgiving, we'll have 5 people for dinner total. As for the 3lb turkey (my husband suggested I get this size, not me), I got the boneless turkey breast, so no worry about the bones there. And yes, I am aware that the turkey will "shrink", but despite that, I think we'll have enough, as my two guests don't eat too much overall and much of turkey eaters anyways (they prefer veggies instead, strangely enough), my husband doesn't eat too much turkey as he's watching his cholesteral there, I won't eat too much as I'm trying to lose the baby weight that I gained over the months, and the baby doesn't eat solid food at all at this point.

Besides, we have other foods for dinner, so that should fill everyone up too...

Good to know about the rule of thumb though....useful for American Thanksgiving!....(lol...these relatives eat more apparently, as my MIL usually gets a 10-15lb turkey for 5-6 people, but we end up with leftovers for months and weeks and days on end anyways, until we are tired of it and don't want to eat turkey anymore until next year...)....

Worse case scenario, I go buy another turkey (or hunt for one, as we have wild turkeys running around the countryside here...just kidding..I don't hunt). But yeah, if we run out, I'm sure I can find another one in time for dinner...24 hour Super Walmart, anyone?

Hope you and your family have a happy thanksgiving dinner too! Turkey and all, gobble gobble!

Ant

How many people are you expecting? A rule of thumb is to allow for 1.5lbs of turkey per person, so I 3lb turkey won't get you far....not even sure if you can find a 3lb turkey!! You have to remember that the bones of the turkey take up some of the weight and that it will "shrink" a little while it cooks. Good luck for a great dinner, and Happy Thanksgiving!!

I was wondering the same thing!

Edited October 12, 2009 by Ant+D+A

[trailmix 77]

Ohhh ok, well that makes complete sense now - the boneless turkey breast goes a lot further than a whole turkey, enjoy your dinner

[antda 13]

Ohhh ok, well that makes complete sense now - the boneless turkey breast goes a lot further than a whole turkey, enjoy your dinner

Oops..yeah..should have explained about that earlier...oh well...yes, the boneless goes a lot farther, and is easier to cook too...too lazy to stuff the whole bird anyways...and besides...we don't like the bones and prefer the stuffing cooked separately...oh well..as long as there is turkey..so be it...after all..thanksgiving isn't thanksgiving without the turkey, regardless of what form it is in...right?

Oh gee, now that makes me feel sorry for the turkeys that have to be killed for dinner on thanksgiving...lol...oh well, I'll still eat turkey nevertheless....

By the way, speaking of the turkey..it's defrosting in my fridge now...hopefully it will be ready for dinner tomorrow....

Gobble gobble! Hope you enjoy your dinner too, trailmix.

Ant

Edited October 12, 2009 by Ant+D+A

[trailmix 77]

Thanks Ant. Yes, we too buy the butterball turkey breast, rather than a whole turkey. There is one in the oven right now! This time we got one with the bone in, as that is all they had.

I am cooking it from frozen, which will take 4-5 hours.

[Colleens 40]

Hi Colleens and Trailmix,

In answer to your question: I'm actually expecting 2 Canadians to come over for Canadian Thanksgiving. Lol..I invited a few more, but because of health reasons, or whatever else, they declined...oh well, maybe next year for them. So for Canadian Thanksgiving, we'll have 5 people for dinner total. As for the 3lb turkey (my husband suggested I get this size, not me), I got the boneless turkey breast, so no worry about the bones there. And yes, I am aware that the turkey will "shrink", but despite that, I think we'll have enough, as my two guests don't eat too much overall and much of turkey eaters anyways (they prefer veggies instead, strangely enough), my husband doesn't eat too much turkey as he's watching his cholesteral there, I won't eat too much as I'm trying to lose the baby weight that I gained over the months, and the baby doesn't eat solid food at all at this point.

Besides, we have other foods for dinner, so that should fill everyone up too...

Good to know about the rule of thumb though....useful for American Thanksgiving!....(lol...these relatives eat more apparently, as my MIL usually gets a 10-15lb turkey for 5-6 people, but we end up with leftovers for months and weeks and days on end anyways, until we are tired of it and don't want to eat turkey anymore until next year...)....

Worse case scenario, I go buy another turkey (or hunt for one, as we have wild turkeys running around the countryside here...just kidding..I don't hunt). But yeah, if we run out, I'm sure I can find another one in time for dinner...24 hour Super Walmart, anyone?

Hope you and your family have a happy thanksgiving dinner too! Turkey and all, gobble gobble!

Ant

How many people are you expecting? A rule of thumb is to allow for 1.5lbs of turkey per person, so I 3lb turkey won't get you far....not even sure if you can find a 3lb turkey!! You have to remember that the bones of the turkey take up some of the weight and that it will "shrink" a little while it cooks. Good luck for a great dinner, and Happy Thanksgiving!!

I was wondering the same thing!

I always buy a larger turkey as well. I love the leftoevers and making turkey soup and mixing it with fried rice. Plus you can always freeze it and pull it out for a quick dinner. The breasts are quite good as well, I have had them a few times!!

[Colleens 40]

Hi Colleens and Trailmix,

In answer to your question: I'm actually expecting 2 Canadians to come over for Canadian Thanksgiving. Lol..I invited a few more, but because of health reasons, or whatever else, they declined...oh well, maybe next year for them. So for Canadian Thanksgiving, we'll have 5 people for dinner total. As for the 3lb turkey (my husband suggested I get this size, not me), I got the boneless turkey breast, so no worry about the bones there. And yes, I am aware that the turkey will "shrink", but despite that, I think we'll have enough, as my two guests don't eat too much overall and much of turkey eaters anyways (they prefer veggies instead, strangely enough), my husband doesn't eat too much turkey as he's watching his cholesteral there, I won't eat too much as I'm trying to lose the baby weight that I gained over the months, and the baby doesn't eat solid food at all at this point.

Besides, we have other foods for dinner, so that should fill everyone up too...

Good to know about the rule of thumb though....useful for American Thanksgiving!....(lol...these relatives eat more apparently, as my MIL usually gets a 10-15lb turkey for 5-6 people, but we end up with leftovers for months and weeks and days on end anyways, until we are tired of it and don't want to eat turkey anymore until next year...)....

Worse case scenario, I go buy another turkey (or hunt for one, as we have wild turkeys running around the countryside here...just kidding..I don't hunt). But yeah, if we run out, I'm sure I can find another one in time for dinner...24 hour Super Walmart, anyone?

Hope you and your family have a happy thanksgiving dinner too! Turkey and all, gobble gobble!

Ant

How many people are you expecting? A rule of thumb is to allow for 1.5lbs of turkey per person, so I 3lb turkey won't get you far....not even sure if you can find a 3lb turkey!! You have to remember that the bones of the turkey take up some of the weight and that it will "shrink" a little while it cooks. Good luck for a great dinner, and Happy Thanksgiving!!

I was wondering the same thing!

I always buy a larger turkey as well. I love the leftoevers and making turkey soup and mixing it with fried rice. Plus you can always freeze it and pull it out for a quick dinner. The breasts are quite good as well, I have had them a few times!!

[antda 13]

Hi Everyone,

Update: I survived Canadian Thanksgiving here in the USA with my Canadian relatives, and with newborn baby and all! There were no family feuds, we all had a great time and thankful meal....

The 3lb turkey breast turned out delicious, everyone loved it, and it only took 2-3 hours (I defrosted it beforehand), and it was enough for everyone (as you can see, we don't eat much turkey overall). In fact, we even had some leftovers, which we made turkey sandwiches with the next day. We also had chicken, stuffing, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, gravy, salad, rolls, fresh apple cider, and for dessert we had homemade pumpkin pie and ice cream.

Yummy!......

Might think about doing the same thing for American Thanksgiving coming up...(though with more food and more turkey for this one....).

And as for hosting Canadian Thanksgiving in the USA next year....we'll see...

Oh how fun it is to have 2 Thanksgivings a year! One can never have enough turkey and food, indeed!....

Hope all you Canadians had a Happy Canadian Thanksgiving this week too and Happy American Thanksgiving up... Gobble Gobble!

Ant

P.S. We also had our first snowfall for Thanksgiving this week in October too. Winter is coming! Oh my!

Thanks Ant. Yes, we too buy the butterball turkey breast, rather than a whole turkey. There is one in the oven right now! This time we got one with the bone in, as that is all they had.

I am cooking it from frozen, which will take 4-5 hours.

I always buy a larger turkey as well. I love the leftoevers and making turkey soup and mixing it with fried rice. Plus you can always freeze it and pull it out for a quick dinner. The breasts are quite good as well, I have had them a few times!!

Edited October 17, 2009 by Ant+D+A

[trailmix 77]

Ant i'm glad you posted in this thread today as it reminded me to put the turkey in the oven!

We bought another one since we didn't really have many leftovers (enough for 1 sandwich) - so i'm roasting it today.

Ours is a butterball turkey breast, bone in - it weighs 4.4 lbs and takes about 5 hours to cook from frozen (they say 4 - I say 5) at 325, however I turned it up to like 400 for an hour.

[antda 13]

Hi Trailmix,

You're welcome for the reminder.....lol...just make sure you don't overcook it at the higher temperature and don't burn down the house

(lol..did I ever tell you that our smoke alarms went off while we were cooking the turkey this year...oops...forgot to turn on the stove fan/vent....)

Thanks for the info about the 4.5 lbs turkey too...hmmm...maybe I should get that sized one for American Thanksgiving...

Hope you enjoy your second turkey and this one will last you until American Thanksgiving....lol....Happy Turkey cooking and eating!

Ant

Ant i'm glad you posted in this thread today as it reminded me to put the turkey in the oven!

We bought another one since we didn't really have many leftovers (enough for 1 sandwich) - so i'm roasting it today.

Ours is a butterball turkey breast, bone in - it weighs 4.4 lbs and takes about 5 hours to cook from frozen (they say 4 - I say 5) at 325, however I turned it up to like 400 for an hour.

[trailmix 77]

This one will last until Christmas! We don't celebrate American thanksgiving