Here on Nashville Wife, I am blessed to have readers from around the world, and I love the different perspectives that everyone brings to the comments section. Many of you know that I was born in Canada, and recently, a few of my Canadian followers asked me to write a post about my Canadian heritage.
I was born in Western Canada, near the picturesque Rocky Mountains. My father’s family came to North America around the time of the Mayflower and spent time in both the United States and Canada before settling in Canada. My mom’s parents were both European immigrants. (I shared the brief version of my grandmother’s story in a post about the WWII book that I’m writing. The project isn’t anywhere near complete, and I think it’s going to be something that I work on over a period of years, but I look forward to finishing it someday.)
Before I entered school, my father was transferred to the United States, and we picked up and moved. We made new friends quickly, but it took several years for me to feel like I truly “belonged.” The U.S. and Canada are two of the most similar countries, with one of the closest relationships and friendliest borders, on the planet. But on the other hand, both counties are also very patriotic and proud (as they should be) of their people, accomplishments, geographical features, and ways of life.
Being raised in the United States by Canadian parents had its challenges, but I now feel very fortunate to be a part of both countries, and I am grateful for the continued, positive relationship between them. During my adult years, I have learned just how unique the relationship between the two nations is and how much more complex things would have been had I immigrated from a country other than Canada.
During my childhood, we visited Canada every couple years, as we have family in almost every major Canadian city. I have been to six of the ten Canadian provinces and none of the territories (although we do have friends who live up there). When I was in middle school, my dad and I took a two-week road trip out West, and my favorite of the many places we visited was the Rockies. For those who have not yet visited Canada, I would highly recommend hitting up Banff and Jasper. You won’t regret it. I love it so much that I took Mr. Handsome last summer, and we both had a blast.
And to the person asking if I am a Tim Hortons fan, the answer is YES. Their Timbits (doughnut holes) are fantastic. Whenever we visited Canada growing up, my mom always purchased a container of Tim Hortons coffee, and my brother and I insisted on buying a large package of the Canadian chocolates that are not sold in the U.S.–Smarties, Coffee Crisp, Aero Bars, and Kinder Eggs (hollow eggs made of a delicious combination of milk and white chocolate that contain little toys for children to put together–outlawed in the United States because they are considered a choking hazard).
Anonymous
Kinder Eggs aren’t outlawed in the US anymore. I see them in the stores everyday. They came to the US last year.
Anonymous
The US sells a different kind called Kinder Joy that is deemed safer because the toy is separate from the candy. Not the same as the Kinder Eggs in Canada.
Justine Elizabeth Kessner
Kinder Eggs were banned, a little kid, choked on the toy in a Kinder Egg, in the States, so they were banned, it happen about 6/10 years ago now, but we, (I’m Canadian), never banned them, and so that is why!!!!!!
Anonymous
America doesn’t have Smarties, Aero or Kinder Joy eggs?? I live in South Africa and we have those. 🙂
Ellie
Nope, not usually. Once in a blue moon, you may find them in a specialty or world foods store, but it’s pretty rare. Are those chocolates big in South Africa?
Ellie
Anonymous
Thanks for replying Ellie! Yes they sure are, especially Areo and Smarties. Cadbury and Nestlé are the biggest brands in SA. We have Beacon chocolates too. Ferrero Rocher and Lindt are sold here as well.
Ellie
Cadbury creme eggs are delicious! Ferrero Rocher and Lindt chocolates are great as well. As you can probably guess, I’m a huge chocolate fan, haha. Are you a native of South Africa? I have friends who used to live there, and I got to know their relatives when they visited, as well. Love their accents!
Ellie
Anonymous
What?! We totally have smarties candy in the US!
Ellie
Oddly enough, there are two types of Smarties. US Smarties are tart candies, while Canadian Smarties are similar to M&Ms, although with a distinctly different taste. 🙂
Ellie
Anonymous
I have always thought that Canadian and American culture was quite similar. When you say that there were some challenges–do you mean culturally? I am a naturally curious person and would love to learn your–a Canadian-born’s– perspective. Thank you🙃
Ellie
That’s a great question. There are MANY cultural similarities between the United States and Canada, but there are also some distinct differences. For example, most Canadians take their shoes off inside their homes, and when guests come, it is expected that they will take their shoes off, as well. That’s how I grew up, and I love the idea of keeping one’s floors clean. In the U.S., very few people have that practice, and some people even become offended if you ask them to remove their shoes. The two countries approach maternity leave differently (tends to be much longer in Canada). Something that many American friends have told me when visiting Canada is that Canadians tend to be more polite. Our visit to the Rockies last summer was Mr. Handsome’s first visit to Canada, and he was shocked at how clean the cities were compared to U.S. cities. In general, Canadians are more “rule-bound,” which again can be a positive but also a negative, as there is a time and a place for questioning authority, especially government. Canadians also tend to place a higher level of importance on recycling and organic farming, and their laws reflect that. Aside from cultural differences, there are some slight variations in speech, spelling, and vocabulary. One thing that sticks out to me is that a garbage disposal in the U.S. is often called a garburator in Canada.
Those are just some things that I have noticed and that others have pointed out to me. 🙂
Ellie
Anonymous
I wonder if removing shoes when entering a house isn’t a Canadian but a northern thing. I grew up in Wisconsin and now live in Minnesota within driving distance of Canada. Everyone takes their shoes off especially when winter hits and everyone is wearing big boots. 🙂
Ellie
That’s interesting to hear. I have noticed that with some friends who live in the northernmost states, as well. It seems to be a little more common in Canada, but I do agree that it’s definitely more common in states with especially snowy weather than in states with milder climates.
I have not spent much time in Minnesota, but I hear it’s very pretty. When I was a young teen, my family visited several Laura Ingalls Wilder homesteads, including the one in Walnut Grove, but that’s the extent of my time in MN. Do you enjoy living there?
Ellie
Ellie
Anonymous
In Hawaii, it is also the custom to remove ones shoes before or upon entering the home.
C.
Hi Ellie,
As the original poster who requested this Blog, I wanted to say thank you for sharing your story! Yes, cultural shifts as a youngster are difficult and can leave you feeling isolated. I’ve been through it myself. It’s always helpful to join new Christian networks for support and companionship, and then before you know it, you’re nearly one of the locals. I love Timmies coffee and Timbits too. Didn’t realize you didn’t get certain chocolates in the States – very interesting. All the best with the book about your Grandma’s childhood. What courage and determination it must have taken to live such as brave life. I can’t even begin to imagine what that must have been like. It’s so nice that you are helping her legacy live on.
Good Bless!
Ellie
I completely agree that finding a Christian network makes a huge difference. It took us a little while to find a new church and get involved after we moved, but once we did, it was wonderful. Thank you for your kind words about my grandmother’s story. I often wonder how she made it through.
What part of Canada are you from?
Ellie
C.
Hi Ellie,
I’m from good ole Toronto but have family in Calgary!
I believe that God brings us into particular situations because He’s given us the unique capacity to use our experiences and outcomes within those situations for God’s glory. Your Grandma was Blessed with the capacity to not only survive, but thrive, under those devastating circumstances which has no doubt touched many lives and been a testimony of God’s favour. The sacrifices of our ancestors humbles me and helps me appreciate my daily Blessings that might have otherwise been overlooked. Really looking forward to reading your book whenever you manage to complete it – I understand it is a work-in-progress!
Ellie
I completely agree. There’s a lot that can be learned from looking at how our ancestors handled situations. Love that you’re from Toronto. I have driven through but haven’t spent any significant time there. Would love to one day!
Ellie
AmyRyb
I have lived near the Canadian border all my life and whenever we go visit I almost always bring back candy! Smarties and Crunchie Bars seem to be the big winners right now, but I do like Coffee Crisp as well, and back in the 90s Canada seemed to have better flavors of Trident gum–I loved the Cherry! Timmy’s is also my favorite. Chocolate glazed donuts and Timbits are my favorite, and their iced cappuccinos are my favorite way to treat myself (or get a bit of caffeine in my system)! I also grew up loving hockey, and my husband and I had a moose collection for a while, so needless to say, I always felt like I fit right in up there!
Justine Elizabeth Kessner
Hey Ellie!!!!
Wow I love that U have some Canadian in YA!!!!! Canada is a great country, and I am a very proud, Canadian!!!!! For dinner tonight, U should make pancakes, and MAPLE SYRUP, LOL!!!!!!
Ellie
That’s a great idea, Justine. I love maple syrup (the real stuff, not the fake substitutes)…LOL
Ellie
Justine Elizabeth Kessner
EH Now U are Canadian, I forgot to say, U can eat pancakes 3 times a day, and no one can say anything!!!!! Yes real maple syrup, is the best 100%!!!
Anonymous
I saw Smarties at the store the otherday I brought some. I live in the Us.
Ellie
One confusing thing that I failed to mention is that there are two types of Smarties. Smarties found in the U.S. are tart, powdery little candies that come in long, skinny, plastic packages. (Those same candies are marketed as Rockets in Canada.) Smarties in Canada are made by Nestle and are similar to M&Ms (chocolate covered in a colored candy coating), but they still taste distinctly different than M&Ms. Hope that makes sense! I have never seen Nestle Smarties, which come in a box, sold in the US.
Ellie
Anonymous
I found the smarties candy at Walmart, Sam’s Club and Walgreens.
I’ve never heard of anyone choking on Smarties before.
Ellie
U.S. Smarties and Canadian Smarties are different. Canadian Smarties are similar to M&Ms, although with a very different taste, and U.S. Smarties are tart candies. The chocking hazard is with the original Kinder Surprise eggs. 🙂
Ellie
Moonsparkle (ZM)
Thanks for sharing about your family history. 🙂 I’ve heard of Tim Hortons, I have a Canadian penpal who used to work there. I think Canadian Smarties are similar to what we have in the UK. I like Kinder Eggs as well. 🙂
Anonymous
I am just shocked and disappointed in this blog and the further comments made by you Ellie in regards to Canadians and Canada; “rule bound” !!! and the stereotypes you are promoting here. I was surprised this has not ended talking about the cold cold weather and igloos!. What a disservice to your country of heritage. Eileen
Ellie
Hi Eileen,
The post/comments are not meant to promote stereotypes. As I said, there are MANY similarities between the two countries, but there are also some differences. Differences are a given when you are dealing with two separate nations. 🙂 The differences I mentioned are not stereotypes but are things that both Canadians and Americans have pointed out to me. I think it’s very interesting that all of the things I mentioned about both countries can either be positives or negatives, depending on the circumstance. I am very fortunate and very proud of both countries, and because of my situation, I feel as I am able to look at each country more objectively. I love the different perspectives that different people bring to the table!
Ellie
Anon
Wow! It is pretty sad that you can’t comment on how two countries are alike and different without someone getting upset. I thought it was very interesting! You didn’t sound like you were talking bad about either country or people of those countries. It sounds like we could learn from Canadians in regard to keeping our country clean.
Thank you for your blog and good attitude!!
Anonymous
What Kingdom does a person live in? God’s or the Devil’s? A child of God or a cold of the Devil? That is what really matters. If not sure, or are straddling the border; it is time to figure out which Kingdom in. Once that is decided, then will have to ‘co-exist’ with the other kingdom. Co-exist is not co-approval. That is an important distinction regarding that term.
Sandra
Dear Ellie
As a very proud Canadian I enjoyed your blog about your vacation to the Rockies. I have never been that far west but it is something that my husband and I are hoping to do now that we are retired. May I suggest that your next visit to our beautiful country be to the gorgeous and friendly Atlantic provinces on the East Coast. Would love to share our wonderful place with you and Mr. Handsome.
Thank you for all the work you do with all your blogs.
Ellie
Hi Sandra. I would love to visit the Atlantic provinces. I have visited Niagara Falls and seen part of Quebec, but I would love to go farther East. The Rockies would make a great retirement trip!
Ellie
Anonymous
I am sorry Ellie, but I can no longer support your blogs. Eileen
Ellie
I’m sorry to hear that, Eileen. I hope you’ll reconsider, as I will miss having you as a reader. The post/comments were not meant to offend. They were in response to readers’ direct questions, and I was simply sharing my observations and the observations of other Canadians and Americans.
Ellie