Sitting here surrounded by my family, we all took some time to think about what we were most thankful for this holiday season. In the end, we came up with a list of ten items that were the most important to our family. From my family to yours, ten things to be thankful this holiday season!

Health

My grandmother Kathy is thankful for her health. Her good health has allowed her to do all the things she loves. She can travel to see her mother during the winter and work in her gardens during the summer.

Job

My mom is thankful for her job. It allows her to interact and teach little kids. Every day she gets to wake-up and enrich the lives of her ‘little nugs’ all while teaching them an important survival skill, swimming.

Tradition

My aunt is thankful for tradition. She is grateful that she gets to spend each Thanksgiving the same way with her children and nieces, teaching us the traditions in hopes of us passing it down to our children one day.

Nature

My sister is thankful for nature. She is grateful for everything nature offers, from the forests that allow her to hike through to the oceans with the beautiful fish she can scuba in. Nature brings her happiness and that is something she is thankful for.

Friends

My dad is thankful for his friends. Unlike family, his friends are the ones that understand him on a deeper level and support him unconditionally. He is also thankful for his friends, because he has dozens of memories with them and enjoys their company whenever he gets the chance to hang out with them.

Education

I personally am thankful for my education. Having the privilege to go to a university to further my internal desire to learn is something most people take for granted. Every day while sitting in class, I’m grateful for it.

Alone Time

My uncle is thankful for alone time. In his busy life, he uses it to recharge which allows him to be the best version of himself possible to the ones around him. He also is thankful for his alone time, because when he’s alone and secluded from him family, it makes him appreciate his loved ones more.

Music

Emma, my younger cousin, is thankful for music. Music is not only something she’s incredibly passionate about, but it has also given her the unique ability to express herself in a way most people can’t. Through her participation in band, she has met amazing people, one’s she can now call her best friends; which is another reason why she is grateful for music.

Rewarding Life

My grandfather, Pop-pop, is thankful for his rewarding life. All his children have nice lives, he gets along with his wife, and he has many hobbies that fulfill his life. Whether he’s working on his farm, creating a new woodwork masterpiece, or reading up on his topic du jour, he is grateful for the life he has lived.

Family

Luke, the youngest of us all, is thankful for family. He appreciates the time he gets to spend with us, whether it's watching movies or working out together. Any time he spends with family is time he cherishes.