As an American who has lived in Canada for several years, I don’t find myself missing that much about the U.S.

I do miss my family and friends. Good Mexican food now and then. And maybe July 4th picnics.

But come the fourth week of November, I miss American Thanksgiving.

And when I talk with my expat friends here in Canada, many of them also say that Thanksgiving makes them homesick.

Of course, Canada has its own Thanksgiving holiday. But it’s just not the same big-deal event that turkey day is in the U.S.

So if you’re feeling homesick in Canada this week, here are some tips for beating the Thanksgiving blues:

• Host your own Thanksgiving dinner. Yes, I know everyone has to work on Thursday, but you can organize a Thanksgiving meal on the weekend.
• Connect with other American expats. There are American expat groups in Toronto (including a Meetup Group, an Americans in Toronto Facebook Club, and an American Women’s Club), Montreal (both a Facebook Group and an American Women’s Club), Vancouver, and Victoria (BC). You can also find other expats through Facebook’s Americans in Canada group and through the National Newcomers’ Council of Canada.
• Volunteer. If you have a lot to be thankful for, share that holiday cheer with others. For volunteer opportunities, see Volunteer Canada, Volunteer Toronto, Go Volunteer Vancouver, Réseau de l’action bénévole du Québec, and Volunteer Alberta.

How do you celebrate American Thanksgiving in Canada? Do you have ideas you can share with fellow expats? Leave a comment below.

And wherever you are, have a happy American Thanksgiving!

Photo by xybermatthew (flickr)