With Thanksgiving now officially over, you’ve probably heard the familiar question hundreds of times: “What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?” The most common answer we heard this year was “friends and family,” but here, you’ll find some of the little things— things that may go unappreciated when answering this question on the spot, because Thanksgiving shouldn’t just be a one-day celebration. It’s something we should think about year round. Let’s take this time to reflect on the things that you might have missed appreciating during Thanksgiving this year.

• DoorDash

It’s the beginning of third period, and you are about to take a test you can’t help but feel anxious for. You know the only thing that will soothe your nerves is your very own personalized Chipotle bowl. But you can’t just run out of class to get it, and there’s no way you’ll be able to order and eat it during lunch. So, you pull out your phone, click on your favorite app, and ace your test knowing there’s a steaming bowl of Chipotle calling your name… or a delivery driver calling your phone, confused as to why they are dropping off food at a high school. Or maybe you’re just in the mood for Dunkin’. Whatever the reason, DoorDash has always got your back. And your cravings.

• Black Friday

Isn’t it ironic how the day after Thanksgiving, the day when you’re supposed to put everything aside and be grateful for the people who matter most to you, Black Friday pops in? We forget about how thankful we are for the loved ones in our lives and instead join the national race for the best deals. Everyone stops what they are doing to buy overpriced items from stores that are nothing but stingy with their discounts. Forget family, forget Thanksgiving, because Black Friday is all about shopping ‘til you drop. But alas, it is still a day to be grateful for.

• Waking Up When You Don’t Have To

If you haven’t experienced this feeling before, all we have to say is, we’re sorry. That feeling when you wake up at 5 in the morning and realize you still have two more hours to sleep in. That sigh of relief when you wake up on a Sunday morning thinking that it’s Monday, and then check the clock to realize that you still have some time to yourself before the busy day begins. It almost seems too good to be true, and the instant relief that takes place, in just a matter of seconds, is something that deserves to be on this list.

• Costco

Costco. Bulk. Deals. Those three words have been associated with each other since the beginning of time. We believe that taking a stroll through Costco should be considered as a real pastime, because its endless displays of random items and its surprisingly amazing foods bring nothing but joy. Costco is a place where you can buy 25 sharpies for $18, as each marker is only $0.72. Where else in the world can a regular person pay such a little price for such a staple commodity?!  Walking further inside, you might see a 20 gallon fish tank. Do you have fish? No. Do you need a fish tank? No. Can you pass up the amazing deal Costco is offering? Also, no. Costco is truly a place to be thankful for. It’s got all the things you’ll need (…and way more).

• The First Snow of the Winter

Who doesn’t love a snow day? The answer is: nobody. Well, nobody besides my dad, because we all know he’s the one who’s going to be shoveling… sorry Dad, but I’m getting my sleep in. Winter doesn’t truly start until the first fall of snow officially marks the season. This not only brings fluffy snow that is good for all purposes—snow angels, illegally sledding down the side of a driving range along with half the population of Tenafly, building snowmen, and the perfect excuse for a steaming cup of hot chocolate—but it also brings the festive spirit of the holidays, something everyone should embrace.

This year, along with including our random top 5 of things we are most grateful for, we interviewed some of our teachers to hear their random gratitudes. 

“I am grateful for all of the cells in my body that function properly.” – Mr. Rendell

“Grateful for all the pie that I’m gonna consume.” – Mr. Farnham

“Our 12 year tradition of going into New York City with my family on Thanksgiving and going out to restaurants.” – Ms. Schwartz

As 2024 wraps up, we’ve realized that there is so much to be thankful for this year. Take a moment to reflect about the little things that make your life unique and joyful. So, the next time someone asks, “What are you thankful for?”, we hope this list inspires you to think of more than just surface-level answers and to reflect on the many small things.