What I’m most grateful for this Thanksgiving isn’t just the food, the warm table, or even the time off—it’s perspective.

Growing up in Poland, holidays were both anticipated and exhausting. My mother, a single parent with little support, would work tirelessly to make everything perfect before the guests even arrived. By the time people came, she was so worn out she could hardly enjoy it. As a child, I remember the stress more than the celebration—and I quietly inherited that belief: hosting means sacrifice.

That belief was forever changed when I experienced my first Thanksgiving with my husband’s family in Michigan.

There were around 35 people there—brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and their children—a beautiful, robust, loving family that welcomed me with open arms. And here’s what amazed me: everyone contributed. People brought dishes, set tables, carried food. Then, after the feast, the cleanup team (aka: the family) jumped into action, packing up leftovers, wiping counters, doing dishes, and bringing everything down to the basement. Within an hour, it was as if nothing had happened—except the joy remained.

It was the first time I witnessed a holiday where the host also got to enjoy the moment. Where hospitality wasn’t one person’s burden but a shared celebration.

Since then, I’ve modeled my holidays after that experience. When someone offers to bring something, I say yes. When they ask how they can help, I let them. Gratitude looks different now—it means allowing others to give, too.

This year, I’m grateful for:

So I’ll ask you—what are you grateful for this year?

Maybe it’s time we give ourselves permission to enjoy, receive, and share the holidays… together.