With Thanksgiving being just a few days away and Christmas right around the corner, it is easy to get caught up in all the excitement of the holidays--the good food, the presents, all of the fun things that come with this time of year. We’re all guilty of it. But, we often forget that especially around this time of year, it is really important for us to just remember the important things in life and count our blessings. When you really stop and think about everything, a lot of people are not as lucky as some of us are; not just during the holidays, but all year round, so it’s nice to just take some time to appreciate all the things you have. Here are some things I am thankful for, and we should also be thankful for this holiday season.

1. You are alive.

This is the number one thing you should be thankful for all year round, but especially during the holidays. Being around to see another year is a privilege denied to many, and it is especially painful around the holidays when you have loved ones that are no longer here. Live every day like it’s your last, never take a day for granted, and appreciate the holidays you get to spend with the people you love.

2. Your family.

While my family is not as whole as it used to be, as a few of them have passed over the years, I am very grateful to get to spend another year with my family members that are still here and will be here for many years to come. I also have some family members that live closer than they once used to, so getting so see them more often and sharing some holidays/events with them is really nice. Being with my family is something I am very grateful for.

3. Your friends.

I am so lucky to be able to say that I have an amazing group of girls, who I am proud to call my best friends. These girls have been with me through so much over the years, and I am so grateful for them. I honestly don't know what I would do without them.

4. You have food on the table

Before you start stuffing your face on Thanksgiving, take a minute to appreciate all the good food that is on your table. Not everyone gets to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast, and my dad does all the cooking in my family; I definitely appreciate all the work he puts into our Thanksgiving dinner every year.

5. You receive gifts on Christmas.

Gifts are just material things. While it is always nice to receive gifts at Christmas, or Hanukkah, they are not what the holiday is all about. I know that sounds very cliché, but it’s the truth. So while you’re tearing into your gifts this year, take a minute to appreciate those who gave them to you and remember to just enjoy being with your family during the holidays.

6. Our veterans and police officers.

Not all military and police get to be home with their family for the holidays, so definitely take a minute to appreciate them and all that they do to keep us safe.

7. Your health and the health of your family.

This one goes hand-in-hand with my first point. Do not let a day go by where you are not grateful to God, or whatever you may believe in, that you and your family have your health. There are a lot of very sick people in the world, and you really have to be so grateful that you and your family are in good health.

8. Having a roof over your head.

I know that this is something I tend to take for granted sometimes, but I know when I come home from a stressful day at school, work, when I don’t feel good, I am thankful that I have a nice house to be able to come home to and relax. Make sure you take a minute to appreciate having a warm house to be in. (And no, this is not my house. Beautiful dream house, though!)

9. School or work.

While college can be very stressful, I am thankful that I able to afford to go to school and get an education in something that I love and make it into a career. These days it is almost impossible to get a good job without a college degree; even if you are going for something that doesn’t pay a ton of money, you will still be making way more than you would if you did not go to college and get a degree. Be proud of yourself and be thankful that you go to school, or if you are already in the workforce, be thankful that you have a job.

10. God, or whatever you may believe in.

I will admit that I am not a super religious person, however, that does not mean that I do not believe in God and that I am not grateful to Him every day. For a 19 year old, I have been through a lot in my life, and I will admit there were times when I was angry with God and could not understand why He would do certain things. you have to believe that everything happens for a reason, even if you don’t know what that reason is, and believe that God will never put you through anything you can’t handle. So don’t forget to be thankful to Him for allowing you to see another day, and for throwing obstacles at you to make you stronger.

These are just a few things that are important to me, and what I am thankful for. There are so many reasons to be thankful this holiday season, so think of the things that are important to you and take a minute to be thankful for them. Enjoy your Thanksgiving! I know I will.