1. Family:
This seems like a pretty typical and straightforward answer, but how could it not be? Without the love and support of your family, where would you be today? C’mon, you can’t tell me that crazy Aunt Sue and your obnoxious yet incredibly adorable cousins don’t make this holiday a little more special. Make sure to use your manners and to be appreciative now more than ever. If you’re experiencing this Thanksgiving without one or two members of your family, make sure to enjoy it even more for them.
2. Friends:
Make sure to tell the group of guys and gals that continuously put up with you thanks. The ones who have made you laugh until you can’t breathe, who go on spontaneous trips to Taco Bell with you at 2 am, who participate in every dull activity you’ve ever asked them to accompany you on and yet still plaster a smile on their face; who dance with you like nobody is watching, who lend their shoulder to cry on, need I say more? If you have a kick-ass group of friends like I do, make sure you tell them just how much they mean to you.
3. Food:
This is a no brainer. Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, casserole, vegetables, corn bread, cranberry sauce, pie, and whatever secret family recipe your loved ones specialize in. Thanksgiving is the one holiday where you can eat as much as you please and not feel bad about it for a second, not even when that food baby starts to kick. And did I mention the leftovers?
4. Home:
The saying “home is where the heart is” has never rang more true than it does for Thanksgiving. Being a freshman in college who recently moved hours and hours from home, I realize how much I took for granted sleeping in my own bed, fighting over who gets the shower first, and the feeling of security. Home, wherever it may be for you, holds a certain comfort and special place in your heart, so enjoy it to the fullest.
Reading this article, you probably realized that I couldn’t have picked more basic things to be thankful for. Don’t get me wrong, there are a million other objects, people, and places I have in mind that I could have typed out for you to read. However, in this day in age especially recently, I feel as if we have forgotten that those four items above are overlooked. Not every person even has the opportunity to access these significant pieces of life that make us who we are. This Thanksgiving and from everyone here on out, remember to give thanks to the basics first.
