Thanksgiving is considered the official start of the holiday season. It gives each of us the chance to dedicate a day to express our gratitude. This Thanksgiving season is extra meaningful for families across the world. We are finally approaching the other side of a pandemic that has plagued the entire world. Our thoughts are with those who lost loved ones. We are inspired by the work people have done to support others through challenging times.
We asked our employees to share their thoughts on Thanksgiving. Here are a few of their responses.
Jackie stated: Thanksgiving is as much a holiday as it is a feeling to me. It lies at the intersection of gratitude, warmth, comfort, pause, and connection. This year, I’m looking forward to tight hugs, meeting the new additions to our extended family, and sharing stories about loved ones we’ve lost since our last gathering. Most of all, I’m looking forward to seeing the holiday through the eyes of my children, who are all now old enough to experience and appreciate the Thanksgiving ‘feeling’ for themselves. I think I’m most grateful for the fact that over the last year, I’ve realized that I experience that ‘feeling’ myself almost every day, at home and with my incredible team here at Whitespace.
Jess stated: Thanksgiving, to me, has always been about gathering with Family and Friends. There is something about breaking bread together and enjoying each others company. It’s was always one of my favorite holidays growing up. I loved being surrounded by my cousins. I am incredibly thankful for my family and their health. I can’t wait to squeeze them all over the next few months! I am also very thankful for the great team we have at Whitespace and the exciting things we have planned for next year. I feel very lucky to be part of this wonderful team.
Sam stated: Big moments are always important, but it’s also important to notice the little things too. Sometimes it is more difficult to be thankful for the small moments, and they can slip by unnoticed and taken for granted. This year, more than ever has taught us that nothing is guaranteed. This year I am thankful for the time I’ve gotten to spend bonding with my sister, every minute that my fiancé has not been deployed, and each of my friends who have encouraged me to continue working hard.
Zach stated: I’m thankful for starting my dream job with Whitespace. Grateful that I work for a company that mirrors so many of my personal values. I’m thankful that while this holiday season has gotten of to a rough start for my family, the risk of serious illness has been greatly reduced thanks to science. Finally, I’m thankful for time to spend time with my family during the holidays which is a luxury I haven’t had for several years.
Melissa stated: Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. It gives my family a dedicated time to express our gratitude for various reasons. My favorite part of the holiday is when our family goes out into the community and serve those who are less fortunate by providing meals, toiletries, and meaningful engagement. This year, I am most thankful for life, health, family, and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with those who are saddened during the holiday season due to the loss of loved ones. I look forward to spending time with my family and having another opportunity to serve those in need.
Chris stated: I’m thankful for many things this year, but the biggest is having the chance to spend Thanksgiving with my parents. Compared with last year’s holidays which we all got through the best we could, having everyone vaccinated means the chance to return to some kind of normalcy. I am looking forward to doing puzzles, eating good food, and squabbling about the house temperature–the little things.
As we approach the holiday season, reflect on what you are thankful for. Enjoy the time with your loved ones and try to support those who struggle during the holidays. On behalf of Whitespace, we wish each of you a Happy Thanksgiving and joyous holiday season.
