Thanksgiving stands alone in the American calendar. No gifts are required. Just gratitude.
Harvard’s research reveals something powerful: gratitude increases happiness by 40% for both the giver and the receiver. Yet on this special American Thursday, we often miss the invisible web that holds our celebrations together.
The gas station attendant working the night shift, the emergency responders hoping for a quiet day, the retail workers stealing moments with family before Black Friday descends, and the power plant operators keeping our lights bright—over 4 million essential workers, according to the Department of Labor, trade their holiday for our convenience.
Seth Godin shares a special Thanksgiving gift each year – The Thankgiving Reader. It’s become a cherished tradition for many, a moment to reflect on the ripples we create through simple acknowledgment.
And to you, kind reader, who takes precious minutes each day to pause and ponder these words – thank you. Your presence here creates a connection, a shared moment of reflection in our fast-moving world.
On this uniquely American holiday, before the festive chaos begins, we notice. We pause. We thank. Tomorrow’s rhythms will return. But today belongs to gratitude.
