We spoke to Americans about what they are thankful for this year, and their responses were surprising. The surprises were not in the things they mentioned but in how often the feeling of gratitude arose amidst difficulties.
Separation from loved ones, illness, grief, unemployment, and even stress from the election seemed to amplify the sense of gratitude in many Americans this year. Like the earliest Thanksgiving celebrations, this year’s national day of gratitude appears to be enriched, rather than dampened, by the challenges of the past year.
Family
Anticipation of having the entire family together was a common theme among those we spoke to, including Joe Jerrell, 49, and his daughter, Taylor, 20, from Noblesville, Indiana.
“I’m grateful to have my daughter home from college,” said Joe Jerrell.
Taylor Jerrell, a student at Indiana University, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to see friends from home.
Joe and Taylor Jerrell of Noblesville, Indiana, at the Hamilton Town Center in Noblesville, Ind., on Nov. 26, 2024. Lawrence Wilson/The Epoch Times
“Bringing family together, that’s really what Thanksgiving is about,” said Cambria O’Neill, 25, of San Diego. “It’s time for all family from different places to get together. That’s my favorite part about it.”
Cambria O’Neill and Dalton Holdredge of San Diego stopped in Ukiah, Calif. on their way to Grants Pass, Ore. to celebrate Thanksgiving with family. Travis Gillmore/The Epoch Times
Biff Schwart, 67, shared with The Epoch Times: “I’m thankful that we made it through this election and that my family is all happy and healthy.”
The man from Northern California, with family across Lake and Mendocino counties, mentioned that putting up a Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving is a family tradition.
“We enjoy spending the holidays together, around the tree with the grandkids,” Schwart added. “That’s what truly matters.”
Biff Schwart of Northern California said Thanksgiving is all about family, on Nov. 26, 2024. Travis Gillmore/The Epoch Times
Further south in Los Altos in the Bay Area of California, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya is looking forward to his favorite holiday of the year.
“I am grateful for my family and for the many friends, new and old, who have supported me through some very difficult times these past five years,” said President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the National Institutes of Health, to The Epoch Times.
“Every year, we host a big traditional Thanksgiving with lots of family from near and far. We always invite my international students who can’t go home for the break to join us.”
Your Trusted Source for Accurate and Timely Updates!
