Ah, it’s almost that snug, cozy time of year: Thanksgiving.

No, I’m not early. I’m talking about Canadian Thanksgiving, the second Monday in October. This holiday came to mind today while I tarried in the frozen food section in search of something sweet and satisfying.

And that’s when I found my answer: Mrs. Smith’s frozen pumpkin pie. As I type this, my kitchen is filling up with an aroma like a slice of heaven.

But let me tell you, the best part is what I’m listening to while that pie’s getting golden brown. I’ve got a playlist chock-full of authentic Canadian country artists.

I’ve got a soft spot for the real deal regarding country music, and our North of the Border friends deliver. Artists like Blake Berglund, who’s all heart and soul, and Belle Plaine, whose melodies are as captivating as a prairie sunset. Or Corb Lund, who weaves a tale like no one else. And, of course, there’s Tim Hus, Colter Wall, and a whole slew more — as authentically Canadian as a jug of maple syrup.

So, this coming Canadian Thanksgiving, my gratitude isn’t aimed solely at a delicious pie and my good fortune to have enough to eat.

I’m also tipping my hat to Canada for gifting us some of the realest country music. Thanks to those genuine tunes serenading me in the background, every bite of that pumpkin pie will seem sweeter.

So here’s to a delightful slice of Mrs. Smith’s and hearty cheers to our northern neighbors for keeping country music real.