25 Reasons to be Thankful

25 Reasons to be Thankful

1. Family: 

Family, especially during the holidays can be a source of stress. And all the same time, family is your greatest gift. What would Thanksgiving be without the traditional Family football game, an argument over the wishbone, or Aunt Linda’s pecan pie? Even when they’re overbearing, remind yourself of all your family’s quirks, memories, and reasons why you love them all.

2. Pumpkin Spice:

Whether it be Pumpkin Spice Lattes, pumpkin pie, or new pumpkin recipe, it isn’t quite Thanksgiving without a pumpkin dish.

3. Emergency Service Personnel:

Each holiday, doctors, firefighters, police officers, military servicemen, EMT’s and all emergency personnel are working. While they would rather be home, spending the holiday with their loved ones and enjoying their feasts, they have a duty to be on call in the event of an emergency. One of these heroes are probably one of your loved ones! They tirelessly work 365 days a year, so show them your gratitude by bringing the firefighters a treat, or by donating to a veteran’s drive.

4. Autumn Leaves:

Without the fall leaves, we wouldn’t recognize our favorite season. There isn’t much more comforting than the scenic views, gratifying crunch under your boots and the cool, refreshing fall air.

5. Tiny Hand Turkeys:

The crafty little hand turkeys and pilgrim hats that your nieces, nephews and children bring home from school are a staple of the Thanksgiving holiday. What would the holiday be without a little DIY children’s decoration?

7. Pets:

As it’s becoming ever more popular to have fur-babies instead of children, we have to be thankful for our pets. The begging eyes from under the dinner table to napping with your kitten, show love to your fur friends!

8. The Macy’s Day Parade:

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is as traditional as Thanksgiving itself. The parade began in 1924, and has been televised since 1952, and it has grown to be one of the largest parades in the world. Watching the parade, surrounded by the smell of food and family is the pinnacle of Thanksgiving.

9. Friends:

Most people are closer to their friends than they are to their family. They save the day by being a shoulder to cry on, an ear to vent to, and an accomplice when they’re needed. We can all agree our lives are better with our friends in them and be sure to remind them how much you love and appreciate them this holiday.

10. Food:

Thanksgiving is a foodie’s day. Food is the bonding agents across cultures, and throughout time has brought people together to celebrate. Take a moment to be thankful that you have food to eat all year long on Turkey Day.

11. Safety:

The news is full of alarming, heartbreaking things. While you’re reading this article you’re probably in peaceful, safe place, and that’s something to be grateful for. Use the Thanksgiving holiday as an opportunity to give back to those who don’t have the security that you’re so fortunate to have.

12. Your Cozy Kitchen:

Thanksgiving is the opportunity to dust off your best china, dabble with old family recipes, and bond while cooking. Have the kids help set the table or mix the potatoes so they can share a sense of pride in the finished meal.

13. Health

Regardless of physical health, you’re lucky to be alive! We’re fortunate to be able-bodied and bright-eyed more often than not, so be thankful that you’re still kicking!  

14. The Holiday Spirit:

More than 35% of all charitable donations are given in the last 3 months of the year.  The helping holiday spirt brings out the best in each of us, and that’s more important than food or gifts combined. Donate to a charity, invite a neighbor or lonely senior into your home to share your family with them for Thanksgiving.

15. Kindness of Strangers:

While a stranger smiling at you in the grocery store, holding the door open for you when your arms are full, or letting you go ahead of them in line doesn’t seem like much, it’s something to be thankful for. Humans are all innately the same, we want to be healthy and happy, and to be treated with hospitality, so be grateful for the kindness of strangers this holiday.

16. Time Off from Work:

Holidays fortunately mean you get some free vacation days, which we are all grateful for. Being able to wear your comfy pants instead of your suit and tie in the middle of the week is worth being thankful!

16. Dessert:

There are so many options for dessert on Thanksgiving, and the holiday urges you try them all! Be grateful for Aunt Susan’s pie, grandma’s banana pudding, and your mom’s cobbler.

17. Children:    

Children bring an amazing, unfiltered perspective.  Whether they’re telling you what they’re learning in school this week, or loudly noticing you’ve gained a few pounds, kids are worth being thankful for.

18. Warm Sweaters:

Cooling down in the winter months means you get to bring your favorite fuzzy sweater back out of the closet. Bundle up with your comfy clothes, and take a post-turkey nap this Thanksgiving.

19. Parents:

There’s no one that loves, cares, and appreciated you quite like your parents do. Mothers and fathers are the glue that hold traditions together. Even if you can’t see your parents on Thanksgiving, know they would rather be spending it with you.

20. Football:

Thanksgiving football and a full stomach is how many of us spend the holiday. Playing football in the back yard or watching your fathers-in-law’s team beat yours is a memory made.

21. Relaxtion:

The nights are getting longer, and the days are getting cooler. Thanksgiving weather is perfect for cuddling up to binge watch your favorite show or read a book.

22. Indoor Plumbing and Electricity:

Our ancestors had outhouses, candles, and pigeon-mail. We have so many conveniences making everyday life easier by leaps and bounds. This Thanksgiving ask your family what life would be like without the internet, indoor toilets, cell phones, or running water.

23. Open Restaurants:

After you’ve burnt the turkey and the grocery store is closed, an open restaurant is a what you’re most grateful for. Sometimes you’ve got to let someone else do the cooking. Be sure to tip your server well!

24. Black Friday Sales:

Gearing up for the shopping Super Bowl on Black Friday? Everyone loves half priced TV’s, clothes, and jewelry! And if fighting over Legos in Walmart isn’t quite your thing, Cyber Monday awaits!

25. Gratitude:

Be thankful for being thankful! Being able to reflect on the reasons you love your life can fight seasonal depression, relieve your anxiety and lower your blood pressure. Happy people live longer, and you have 25 reasons to be thankful for your life!

Thanksgiving is so much more than food and festivities. It’s a time to ponder the lessons we learned over the year, spread happiness around, and appreciate all the great memories and amazing people we have in our lives. Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at High Touch High Tech.