What We’re Thankful for this Thanksgiving

The pandemic is not yet over. There are hot spots in some states. Many people are still hesitant to get vaccinated. Europe is erupting with citizens in many countries angry that their governments are once again forcing lockdowns.

But there are hopeful signs and right now a little bit of optimism can go a long way. Here are some of the things we are thankful for this Thanksgiving:

This holiday, we can break bread and eat turkey together. Vaccinations work and are helping to keep us safe.

Hollywood is back! Yes, we still love Netflix and all the other streaming services. But there’s nothing better than sitting in a theater with a large screen watching the latest James Bond film. And the popcorn still tastes great.

Broadway is open! Not every production, but enough that we can rediscover the joy of in-person theater. Connecting with the actors in such a personal way makes us connect with each other, too.

Cabaret is filling rooms around New York with some of our favorite vocalists. Popular venues like Birdland, Don’t Tell Mama, and Feinstein’s/54 Below remind us how much we’ve missed live music.

Museums have opened their doors. Just in time for us to see the magnificent Christmas tree at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Tourists are coming back to New York providing much needed energy to our city. Yes, we still have a long way to go to reach pre-pandemic levels, but more visitors are coming to stroll through Times Square, view the Statue of Liberty, and nosh at Katz’s deli.

Thanksgiving is a time for family. Not for rushing out to get the best Black Friday deals. We applaud the decision by major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco not to open on Thursday so that their employees can celebrate at home, too. Retail workers need a break. Let’s hope this is a trend that continues.

Giving is taking on new meaning. Partly it’s inflation and supply shortages, but there’s a feeling that Christmas gift-giving has gotten out of control. Fewer and more thoughtful gifts are the way to go this year.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade is back! And we can’t wait to see all those balloons!

Department stores are once again decorating for Christmas. We still miss Lord & Taylor’s iconic windows, but Macy’s, Bergdorf’s, Sak’s, and others will delight young and old with their displays.

The most famous Christmas tree in the world will soon be lit at Rockefeller Center, reminding us why New York City continues to be the center of so many celebrations. We’re back baby! And we’re thankful.

Top photo: Bigstock