Wondering when Canadian Thanksgiving is this year — and which days you get off?

The simple answer: Thanksgiving is Monday, October 8, 2012. Its early date this year is thanks to October 1 falling on a Monday, as Canadian Thanksgiving always takes place on the second Monday of the month. Thanksgiving is a statutory holiday across Canada, with the exception of the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island.

Depending on family traditions, Thanksgiving meals can take place on any of the weekend days, though Sunday appears to be the favourite, likely thanks to all the time families have to prepare (and of course, the day off work on Monday to recover).

And speaking of which, most offices will be closed on the Monday thoughout the country, though certain shopping malls and tourist attractions will be taking advantage of the long weekend traffic.

As for why Canada's Thanksgiving differs from the United States' date, the answer is simply geography. Because of Canada's northern climate, the harvest takes place earlier, so this feast to celebrate that bounty follows suit. As legend has it, the first Canadian Thanksgiving took place in 1578 to welcome home Martin Frobisher safely from his journey to discover the Northwest Passage, reported the Edmonton Journal.

Since that time, the Canadian Thanksgiving has taken on characteristics of both its British heritage and American neighbours, engaging in a huge meal filled with the delights of the season, as well as a genuine appreciation for all we have in Canada.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that Thanksgiving is not a statutory holiday in Quebec.

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• The Apple Crisp

  The sippable way to enjoy one of autumn's top fruits; it's perfect as dessert!<br> <em>Ingredients</em><br> 1 oz. Proof Whisky<br> 1/2 oz. cinnamon simple syrup<br> 4-5 oz. apple cider<br> <em>Method</em><br> To a highball glass filled with ice, add Proof Whisky, cinnamon simple syrup and apple cider. Garnish drink with cinnamon stick. This cocktail can be served warm as well, just omit the ice and warm in a heat-resistant mug.

• Bubbles Rosé Holiday Sparkler

  Celebrate the holidays with friends and family and one of these sweet, sparkly bevies.<br> <em>Ingredients</em><br> 60 ml [yellow tail] Bubbles Rosé<br> 15 ml elderflower liqueur<br> 30 ml cranberry juice<br> Orange bitters<br> Sugar cube<br> <em>Method</em><br> Soak sugar cube in orange bitters and place in bottom of glass. Add elderflower and cranberry and gently top with [yellow tail] Bubbles Rosé. Garnish with rock sugar stir stick.

• Orange Vanilla Cider

  An orange and vanilla swirl that results in a delightful creamsicle flavour.<br> <em>Ingredients</em><br> 1 1/2 oz. Voli Orange Vanilla<br> 2 oz. apple cider<br> Squeeze of lemon wedge<br> <em>Method</em><br> Add ingredients to a shaker. Mix. Pour into a martini glass. Garnish with lemon.

• Autumn Appreciation

  A rich way to energize your taste buds when the temperature begins to drop.<BR> <em>Ingredients</em><BR> 2 oz. Baileys Irish Cream<BR> 1 oz. Ketel One Vodka<BR> 1 oz. espresso<BR> Caramel<BR> <em>Method</em><BR> Swirl caramel around the inside of a martini glass and put to side. Pour Baileys Irish Cream with a hint of caramel, Ketel One Vodka, ice and espresso into a shaker and shake until very frothy. Strain into caramel swirled martini glass, making sure the foam is on top to make it looks like a cappuccino. (Tip: using a spoon while pouring helps keep the foam on top.)

• Original Spiced Cinnamon Toast

  Grab a blanket and cozy up to your coach with this heart-warming drink.<BR> <em>Ingredients</em><BR> 1 1/2 oz. Captain Morgan<BR> 4-5 oz. hot apple cider<BR> 1 tbsp cinnamon sugar<BR> 1 slice orange<BR> <em>Method</em><BR> Rub rim of hurricane glass with half an orange and dip into cinnamon sugar to coat. Add rum and hot apple cider.

• Hennessey Ginger

  <strong>Hennessey Ginger</strong><br> A simple sipper that will stimulate your appetite -- or that of your guests.<br> <em>Ingredients</em><br> 44 ml Hennessy V.S<br> 103 ml Ginger ale<br> <em>Method</em><br> Pour Hennessy into a highball, add cubed ice (fill the glass), top with Ginger ale. Garnish with a lime wedge.