35 Things to be Thankful for this Thanksgiving

This holiday season is the perfect time of year to take a moment to recognize all the small things, the important things that sometimes get overlooked. Some of the best blessings in life are the little things we fail to recognize. Here is a great list of 35 things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure policy and privacy policy.

There are so many wonderful things we are privileged with every single day we’re alive. And most of them we tend to take advantage of, unfortunately. It is a great practice to instill in yourself and your children (if you have any) to sit down on a daily basis and keep a gratitude journal.

Take a moment to read this list and get the inspiration to write down all the great things big and small you can think of. And maybe you’ll make it a part of your family traditions every Thanksgiving holiday!

What is Gratitude?

The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness. Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. 

Why is it important to practice gratitude?

Gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.

35 Things to be Thankful For This Thanksgiving

A good way to start any list is with the most obvious big things and make your way into the more detailed and less-acknowledged simple things. Even in hard times or in a particularly hard year it strengthens our spirits to remember just how much we have.

Whether Tangible or Intangible Here are 35 Things to be Thankful for this Thanksgiving

Intangible means you can’t always see it or touch it, but you know it’s there affecting you and your life. In fact, it may not even actually exist, but just the thought of it or dreaming of it brings you joy.

Really it’s impossible to list all the good things each of us has to be thankful for, but it’s worth it to take a little extra time to try anyway! Here is a list of 35 amazing things you can hold close to your heart this Thanksgiving.

1. Good Health.

Think of the last time you were sick or hurt. That’s when I typically realize I wasn’t thankful enough for all the good days when my body was the best version of itself.

2. The Beauty of Nature.

Whether you look out a window, fling open doors and smell the fresh air, or take a walk outside in the middle of fall beauty be amazed and grateful you get to walk in this world.

3. Hard Work.

The ability to physically or mentally work hard. I know when I’m down sick or hurt I miss being able to get up and do things and work as I would otherwise. Therefore being able to work hard is a privilege, let’s not forget that.

4. A Sunny Day.

A sunny day is a blessing when it’s warm and when it’s cold. We love spring and summer, but any day when the sun is shining (even when it’s raining) is the best thing to behold.

5. Good Hair Days.

As someone who has curly hair, but never learned how to work with it I feel this one on a deep level! I don’t think there’s anything too trivial to be thankful for.

6. The Honesty of a Child.

Even when kids are almost too honest, appreciate it. Honesty, genuineness, and sincerity are three of the greatest things about the heart of a child.

7. A Good Laugh.

Whether you’re the one having that good belly laugh or you’re listening to baby giggles (which are often contagious) laughter makes good medicine.

8. The Perfect Playlist.

The perfect playlist could definitely be one of those quests we’re always on, but I’m there is nothing quite like the right music to fit whatever mood you’re in.

9. Alone Time.

I love my 5 children, but I realized after getting married and having children that I often did not appreciate that alone time enough!

10. Social Media.

Yes, there are the downfalls, but let’s focus on the good! It makes it so much easier for me to be an integral part of the lives of loved ones who live far away.

11. Good Friends.

And even better than good friends are those few best friends that come along really once or twice in a lifetime. Close friends are a beautiful thing we should always be grateful for because they’re very rare.

12. Family Members.

Whether your blood relatives or just the family that you made or chosen for yourself isn’t as important. Just know you’re really blessed if they’re there for you in both the good times and the bad.

13. Meeting New People.

Every new person you meet is a potential best friend. A lot of people are looking for something to be a part of, and occasionally that community is a good place to essentially create your own family.

14. A Warm Blanket.

When you’re dealing with cold weather outside there really isn’t much that beats a nice toasty blanket. Therefore, sometimes in the winter I cheat and put my blankets in the dryer just to warm them up.

15. Thanksgiving Dinner.

I know it feels redundant to say that, but it’s a family tradition. And it is the one time of year (besides Christmas) when I see many family members I don’t see much throughout the rest of the year.

16. The United States.

I’m consistently grateful when I read the news that I was born and live in this country. It isn’t perfect by any means, but still the home of the free and the brave.

17. Clean Water.

Clean water seems like it should be a right, but it is a privilege that not everyone gets to enjoy. Even here in the United States, there are communities (Flint, Michigan) that have dealt with a lack of unsafe water. So, I make sure to really be thankful I have access to it every day!

18. Games.

Whether it’s a board game, card game, or outdoor game, playing games brings joy to your life. We love a game night in our family and it’s a fun thing we do every year to buy a few new ones to try out during the holidays.

19. Fun Nights Out.

Getting to go out for a night at the movie theater was a rare treat as a kid, but it was the best way to have a fun night out as a family. The lines were sometimes long and I didn’t always get all the candy, but it was still great quality time.

20. Clean Sheets.

And subsequently, the great sleep clean sheets always seem to give you, I can’t be the only one?! There are few things that give me as much feeling of gratitude as the pleasure of sliding into clean sheets and blankets. And then getting a great night’s sleep.

21. A Handwritten Note.

I’m not sure there are many more enjoyable things than opening your mailbox and receiving a good old-fashioned handwritten note that is for you! It is a treasure, a treat, and gives you a warm feeling, but knowing the time they spent and consideration is really the best part.

22. Good Food.

One of the main things I look forward to as Thanksgiving week approaches is the good food I’m going to partake in very soon. Whether it’s the planning, grocery runs, or the cooking aspect! Because it gives me an opportunity to try out new recipes and the best part, taste tests.

23. Indoor Plumbing.

One day I will tell you the story of the time I traveled 20+ hours into the Sierra Madres to be a missionary and then got to experience firsthand how wonderful indoor plumbing actually is. Therefore believe me when I say a clean toilet with a toilet seat is a beautiful thing, appreciate it.

24. Air Conditioning.

Another of the many modern conveniences that I love and appreciate with all my heart. We’ve occasionally dealt with our heat pump acting up (and breaking entirely) and had to live in 95° heat in our house for over a week. It really makes you want to care for your things well so they’ll continue to serve you!

25. Ice Cream on a Hot Day (or really any day).

Ice cream is definitely a favorite in this family, because really who doesn’t love it? Whether it’s homemade or storebought we love it all the same!

26. Cellphones.

I can’t help but be thankful that in emergencies I have the ability to call for help. Also, I can rest assured that if my kids need me they can call me, too. That makes it indispensable in my eyes as a mother.

27. Pumpkin Spice Lattes.

Not everyone is a fan, so if this is not your thing then just think of your favorite treat and be grateful for it!

28. New Clients.

Potential sales, a growing business, a good sale, a paycheck of any kind, they’re all worth celebrating and being thankful for.

29. First Responders.

There is something special and heroic about the people who choose to make an entire living out of caring for perfect strangers. Not just because of working long hours away from their families, even on holidays, but they do it to keep us safe.

30. Unconditional Love.

Whether you believe in God or not, everyone can agree that if you have a child or even a pet in your life you have experienced this. Children and animals love without question and that is a special thing.

31. Your Favorite Show.

Whether you love drama, comedy, or reality tv the entertainment aspect can be really valuable. Tv isn’t just a distraction, sometimes it also helps relieve stress, or just gives you a laugh, and laughter is the best medicine.

32. Your Favorite Holiday.

Whether your favorite holiday is Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween, or any holiday you get off from work, that totally counts, too.

33. God’s Word.

As a Christian family, this is kind of a given for us to be grateful that we have God’s words to rely on even when life is good, but especially when it isn’t. Words can be comforting, but also they can help you find clarity which is equally as valuable.

34. A Good Book.

Even if you’re not a self-proclaimed bibliophile like I am, I’m sure you can appreciate a good book. Because books give us the ability to learn literally any skill, to document a life, to read a bedtime story to a child, or to escape to an adventure in a far away or completely fictional world.

35. Lists of Things.

Yes, be thankful for lists because lists let us know what we have accomplished and what we still have yet to do. They can both give us something to be proud of and help us stay focused on things we still have yet to do.

Ideas to Make this Thanksgiving Extra Thankful

A Heritage Grateful Journal

What better way is there to cultivate a spirit of gratitude than to create a Heritage Gratitude Journal? Seize the perfect opportunity in the season of thanks to create and pass down a family gratitude list. And the next year take it out and add to it with more unique things. And then read it before or after your Thanksgiving meal.

Gratitude Activities for Thanksgiving

There are many other great gratitude activities you can do with friends and family this year to really bring home Thanksgiving in a new way. For more great ideas check out this post 30 Gratitude Ideas for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Fun Facts for the Whole Family

Another great way to gather gratitude with your loved ones is to play a few fun games of trivia around the table using this Thanksgiving Fun Facts for Kids.

Thanksgiving Crafts for the Whole Family

Crafts may be one of my favorite activities to do with my kids, or really in general. There really is no better way to learn something than to work with your hands. This DIY Thanksgiving Card Bunting was so fun and simple to make. And if you have kids you should definitely look at this Thanksgiving Thankful Turkey Craft.

Thanksgiving Games for Boys and Girls

Games are a great way to have fun with your kids throughout the entire year, but especially a great way to make precious memories together. Here is a great post about Thanksgiving Games for Boys and Girls to give you a head start.

Create Thanksgiving Care Packages

Whether it’s for your college student, a loved one in the military, or the elderly, a great way to show gratitude for the things you’ve been blessed with is to care for others. Here is a post about Ideas for Thanksgiving Care Packages you can use to creatively give to others this year.

Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope I have given you some inspiration, ideas for creativity, and maybe a push to start creating your own wonderland one piece or project at a time.

Don’t forget to come back for more great projects like these DIY Projects and many more!

Julie