s I sit here sipping coffee and looking at this photo, I can’t help but smile. This was taken during our trip to Turks & Caicos last month—seriously, that water was unreal! It was actually the very close runner-up for our Christmas card this year, but I almost love this candid vibe more than the one we picked.
As we head rapidly toward the end of another incredibly busy year, I’ve been trying to slow down and spend time just feeling grateful.
2025 certainly had its hurdles. Life feels faster and more expensive than ever. But when you are rushing, it’s so easy to miss the small victories. I decided to sit down and actually write out what brought me joy this year. It’s a simple exercise that always leaves me feeling grateful and grounded, reminding me that even amidst the noise, there is so much good.
Here are 25 things I’m thankful for in 2025:
My incredible family and the chaos we create.
Supportive friends who show up when it counts.
Lily’s amazing progress in speech therapy—hearing her confidence grow is everything.
Morning coffee before the house wakes up.
Weighted blankets for stressful nights.
That turquoise ocean view in Turks & Caicos.
Financial security, which I don’t take for granted given rising bills.
A cozy, warm home in December.
Good food.
Books that offer a total escape.
The ability to give back to our community this year.
Lazy Sunday mornings with zero plans.
My health.
Hot showers after long days.
Group chats that keep me laughing.
Watching old holiday movies.
A reliable car.
The smell of real pine trees.
Cozy slippers.
Unexpected baby belly laughs.
The snooze button.
Fresh, clean sheets.
Technology that connects us with distant relatives.
Surviving another year of parenting milestones.
The hope that comes with a new year ahead.
It’s a long list, and honestly, I could keep going. Taking stock of these moments is the best way I know to end the year on a high note.
What is leaving you feeling grateful right now?
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TAMMY says
Perfect Christmas Card family photo. Love your list of the best 25 of 25. Health and Financial Security are the most important ones followed by family.
Emerson says
My amazing and supportive family is my most grateful thing. I try not to take it for granted and let them know often how much I appreciate and cherish them.
I think a lot of people with a good family and support system can take it for granted and then you hear of other people with so much disfunction, stress, illness, ill will etc… that each time I hear one of these stories I feel so blessed with my family.
Not to say that there are never a few cracks but we try to fill them quickly with as little pain as possible.