Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated primarily in Canada and the United States as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year. It is celebrated on the second Monday of October in Canada and on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. The holiday has its roots in the celebration of the Pilgrims' first successful harvest in 1621, which they observed with a feast and prayer to give thanks for their survival. Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated by families gathering together for a meal, often featuring traditional dishes such as turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. It is also a time for giving thanks for the blessings in one's life and expressing gratitude to others.