As Thanksgiving makes its way around the corner, we become to realize all the things we should be thankful for. When we really think about it, our lists are endless, ranging from the beautiful world that we live into the food on our plates. But the number one thing we should be thankful for is our family. Here are 10 things to thank your family for this Thanksgiving celebration:

1. Home-cooked meals

Home-made thin crust pizza with red sauce and dough made from scratch…I’m getting hungry just thinking about it! The best meals are home-cooked ones, especially when the whole family is gathered around to enjoy it.

2. Holiday traditions

Whether its competitive Easter egg hunts or matching pajamas on Christmas Eve, holiday traditions are what make your family special.

3. Support

Family members support each other, it’s just what they do. Whether it’s sitting through a 5-hour music recital or even just taking you to every single music lesson, your family is with you every step of the way.

4. Endless inside jokes

Some memories will crack you up forever. Laughter overcomes everything, and with family you just can’t get enough.

5. Family pride

Your roots and where you come from are aspects of your life you should be thankful for. There’s nothing like family pride.

6. Acceptance

No matter who you are and who you become, your family will always accept you. Because blood is blood and nothing will ever change that.

7. Hereditary interests

Ranging from a certain type of music to a favorite sport, you acquire a lot from your family members. Maybe it’s that die heart Yankee fan inside of you, or maybe it’s the alternative music you breathe. Either way, you’ve got a lot of traits to thank your family for.

8. Memories

When you are 80 years old and you reflect back on your life, you’re going to remember building that swing set with Dad or competing in scavenger hunts with your cousins every year. Memories lie at the heart of every family; they are truly the foundation.

9. Unconditional love

The love within your family is absolutely unconditional. There is no bond like the relationship between two family members. Love flows through our veins, it’s always within us even when times get tough.

10. A place to call home

In my mind, family is synonymous with “home. Yes, you live in a home, but without your family, it’d just be a house. “Home” describes a feeling of belongingness, a sense of love and acceptance. So to my incredible family, thank you for being my home.