D.C. shares what it's grateful for this Thanksgiving
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It's almost time to chow down on turkey — but first: Gratitude time!
Why it matters: As we begin to wind down on a whiplash and tough year for many Washingtonians, it's nice to gather around our online "table" and say what we're thankful for.
- Plus: Showing gratitude is good for you! Studies show that taking an active approach to gratitude can have tangible and lasting effects on our mental wellbeing, writes Axios' Erica Pandey.
What they're saying: Axios D.C. readers sent notes in about what they're giving thanks for this year:
🙏 Reader Celeste Scott of Petworth is thankful for her local elementary school community. "We've had DOGE'd and furloughed feds (and fed-adjacent folks) pouring their energy into organizing, and those who have felt safe are leaning into making first-gen/immigrant families feel safe amidst ICE's presence," Scott says.
- "It's been a lot and it's been the brightest spot of how a community can unite productively."
🙏 Madison Haise of Bethesda is grateful for Washington's federal employees. "In my own time in public service, I've had the privilege of working alongside colleagues whose dedication, compassion and quiet resilience has never ceased to amaze me," says Haise.
- "Much of their work happens behind the scenes, yet its significance is profound."
🙏 Lee B. lives on the border of Howard and Baltimore counties, and is thankful to live in a diverse part of Maryland. "We are surrounded by markets that serve white, Black, Latino, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Indian and multiple South Asian communities.
- "And we are looking out for each other."
🙏 "I am feeling extra grateful for our Jewish community, DC Minyan," says reader Margarita Bronshteyn of Dupont Circle.
- "Many have been hit hard in countless ways this year, and it has been so special and healing to see the community not only empathetically rally around those who are hurting, but also enthusiastically celebrate those with good news."
💭 Mimi's thought bubble: This year, I'm especially grateful to live in a community-oriented neighborhood like Del Ray.
- Amy, who runs Stardust Vintage, has given me motherhood advice and has told me to swing by on my daily walks whenever I'm feeling lonely during my maternity leave.
- The Company of Books crew has offered to host a reading when my novel's out, I've swapped pregnancy tips with my dog park pals and the compost guy at the farmers market always asks how my pup, Ziggy, is doing.
- It feels really nice to be known and supported by the people who live around us.
💭 Cuneyt's thought bubble: Seeing old friends come back home to D.C. for the holidays, I'm thankful to be reminded I grew up here.
- I've always thought D.C. feels both like a very cosmopolitan city and a small town for those who call it their hometown.
The bottom line: We live in an awesome place, and we have lots to be grateful for — including all of you!