25 Things to be Grateful For This Holiday Season

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve always seem to arrive all at once. Each holiday looks different, but they all invite us to pause and give thanks. And if I’m being honest, gratitude isn’t always easy, especially after a hard year. Politics, personal losses, unexpected detours, and life just lifing can make gratitude feel forced.

But here’s what I’ve learned: gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring what hurts. It means choosing hope in spite of it. Gratitude has a way of grounding us. It shifts our focus from what’s missing to what’s sustaining us. And during a season that already comes with enough pressure, stress, and expectations, choosing gratitude can be the very thing that restores our joy.

As we close out the year, I invite you to reflect, without judgment, on a few things you might be grateful for. They won’t all apply to everyone, and that’s okay. Even one moment of gratitude can change your perspective and help you step into the new year with intention and peace.

Here are 25 things to be grateful for this holiday season:

1. Family members who live close enough to hug.
2. Your circle, friends who choose you.
3. Your education, formal or learned through life.
4. Healing from illness or injury.
5. Community resources that help those in need.
6. A safe place to lay your head.
7. Hobbies that bring you joy (past or present).
8. Your faith, spirituality, or connection to God.
9. Accountability partners who keep you grounded.
10. A spouse or romantic partner, or peace in your singleness.
11. Your individuality, there’s only one you.
12. Unlimited texting, calling, or data (small blessings matter).
13. Knowing where your next meal is coming from.
14. Libraries and the quiet magic they offer communities.
15. Not being buried in debt.
16. Waking up today, life itself.
17. Your culture, heritage, and roots.
18. The fact that you’ve survived 100% of your hardest days.
19. Family heirlooms, or the ones you’re creating now.
20. The emotionally draining people who exited your life (yes… the trash took itself out).
21. A year is coming to a close, and the gift of a fresh start.
22. Second chances, given and received.
23. Clean, safe water.
24. Those who fought so we could live freer today.
25. The reminder that even the most stressful holiday seasons do end.

Gratitude doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. Maybe it’s journaling, prayer, quiet reflection, or a simple daily reminder on your phone. However you practice it, I hope you’ll make space for gratitude this season, not because everything is perfect, but because you’re still standing.

So tell me, how will you choose gratitude this holiday season?

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!