Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, but this year, Thanksgiving is tugging at my heart. It’s been such a difficult year in so many ways for so many people that I want to pay extra attention to thankfulness. Here’s my Top 10 list of things that make me say “thank you” every day:

1. Health—my husband, two brothers, both kids and my best friend have survived terrible issues helped by modern medicine and brilliant doctors.

2. Children—my own complex, interesting, growing-up-fast Robert and Julia and the bubbly, funny, sweet children I meet around the world.

3. Marriage—to someone who truly cares about me and works hard to build our life together.

4. Meaningful work—Working Mother allows all of us here at the magazine to make a real difference in the lives of moms everywhere.

5. Friends—who listen and share in whatever sequence works best for both of us.

6. Our beautiful earth—my summer vacation to Alaska made me cry with the magnificence of the land we live in.

7. Diversity—of species, of thought, of people, of style, of places. I want to protect and promote that diversity with all my energy.

8. Memories—of my parents and my happy childhood, memories made crisp and tangible by the “stuff” they left me.

9. Our pets—dogs and cats and other animals bring a fluffy, noisy joy to us every day and ask only for breakfast and dinner in return.

10. My yard—which gives me peace and refuge from the crowded, busy days.

It is wonderfully uplifting to write this list. Email me your “What I’m thankful for” list and we’ll post it on our website. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Carol Evans, President
Working Mother Media
carolevans@workingmother.com