The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, celebration, and love—a time to be thankful for friends, family, and picture-perfect Hallmark moments.
But what about when things go hilariously wrong? The turkey’s still half-frozen, the Christmas tree is now leaning against the wall, and you’re doing your best to smile through the ugliest sweater known to mankind, gifted by a well-meaning relative.
In moments like these, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but they also give us the best chances to practice gratitude—with a side of humor and a whole lot of grace. Because let’s face it, the holidays aren’t about perfection—they’re about laughing off the mishaps, embracing the chaos, and finding joy where you least expect it.
This guide is here to help you do just that—discover the funny, surprising, and meaningful things to be thankful for, even when it feels like everything’s going wrong, and do it with gratitude and grace.
Listing Things to Be Thankful For Is a Powerful Gratitude Practice
Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can help us find happiness and contentment in our lives, even during challenging times. While it may seem counterintuitive to be thankful for things that don’t go as planned, practicing gratitude can actually shift our mindset from one of frustration and disappointment to one of acceptance and appreciation.
Research has shown that people who regularly practice gratitude have higher levels of well-being, more positive emotions, better relationships, and increased resilience in the face of adversity. When we choose to focus on what we are grateful for, we reframe our perspective and gain a deeper understanding of the good in our lives.
It's Easy to Be Thankful When the Holidays Go Right
During the holiday season, there are plenty of things we can be grateful for when everything goes smoothly. These are the moments that remind us of why we love this time of year. Here are a few of those normal, yet wonderful things we are thankful for about holiday gatherings:
- The perfectly baked turkey, ham, or macaroni and cheese (with no kitchen fires)
- Family gatherings where everyone gets along (mostly)
- Finding the perfect gift for a loved one (that won't be re-gifted)
- Laughing together over shared memories
- Warm, cozy moments by the fire with hot cocoa
- A beautifully decorated home that smells like fresh pine
- Time off from work to relax and recharge
These are the kinds of moments we expect and cherish. But as we all know, things don’t always go according to plan during the holidays.
And that’s where practicing gratitude really shines—finding the silver linings when the turkey is burned, the gifts are forgotten, and chaos reigns.
In those moments, gratitude can help us find peace, humor, and connection despite imperfections.
13 Things to Be Thankful for This Holiday Season (Even When Your Turkey's on Fire and Aunt Betty Won't Stop Talking Politics)
Sometimes, gratitude practices can feel a little boring, especially when we express thankfulness for the same things over and over again. That's why, when life gives you holiday lemons, it's time to turn them into limoncello and go ahead and spike the eggnog for good measure!
And since the holidays can feel like a series of unlucky breaks, we’ve got 13 things to be thankful for when everything else seems to be going wrong—because who said 13 has to be unlucky?
1. The Beauty of Imperfection
One of the best things about the holidays is that they are rarely perfect. Instead of letting these hiccups ruin your mood, why not lean into them? The burnt pie may not be the dessert of your dreams, but it’s a great excuse to dig into the cookies and other treats. Laughing at these imperfections with loved ones not only eases tension but creates memories that last far longer than any perfectly cooked meal.
Practicing gratitude during these moments can be as simple as taking a deep breath and realizing that perfection isn't the goal. It's about togetherness, shared experiences, and the joy found in imperfection.
2. Family and Friends (Even When They Drive You Crazy)
The holiday season brings family and friends together, and while it’s a time for love and laughter, it can also bring out tension and stress. Uncle Bob and Aunt Betty may still be arguing about politics, your siblings might be at each other’s throats, and your kids are arguing over who gets the last cookie—but these are also the people who know you best, who love you unconditionally, and who will be there when everything else falls apart.
Being thankful for friendship and unconditional love means recognizing that even the most annoying relatives are still part of your support system. Life’s challenges are also easier when shared with those you care about, even when they occasionally make you want to pull your hair out.
3. The Magic of Wi-Fi and Streaming Video
Is this even a thing to be thankful for? Absolutely! While we all know it’s best to stay present during family gatherings and avoid getting lost in our phones, let’s be honest—sometimes a quick Wi-Fi lifeline is necessary. When conversations start veering into dangerous territory, a working connection can be your escape hatch. Be thankful for the ability to quickly Google "how to change the subject" or discreetly message a friend for moral support. In case of emergency, Wi-Fi might just save the day!
And let’s not forget about the true holiday hero: streaming video. Whether you’re escaping for a quiet moment to yourself or bringing the family together for a classic holiday movie, streaming services make it easy to keep the festive spirit alive—though it might spark a whole new debate about which movie to watch first (and whether Die Hard is even a Christmas movie). From Home Alone to Elf, there’s always a movie that can lighten the mood, offer some laughs, or bring everyone together when the holiday chaos hits its peak.
4. Tryptophan and a Good Night’s Sleep
If there’s one thing to be grateful for when the holiday chaos unfolds, it’s the comfort of a good night’s sleep—thanks in part to the turkey that left both you and the guests completely overstuffed. Or maybe it wasn’t the turkey after all; perhaps you just indulged a little too much!
No matter how stressful or wild the day may have been, there's nothing like crawling into bed, pulling the covers tight (though maybe a little looser around your waist), and letting the turkey-induced tryptophan lull you to sleep. You may have hosted the most disorganized dinner in holiday history, but at least you can end the day grateful for your warm bed, the promise of tomorrow, and that delightful post-feast food coma.
This kind of simple appreciation can do wonders for your physical and mental well-being, helping to reduce stress, improve life satisfaction, and boost your immune system—so maybe that extra serving of mashed potatoes wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
5. The Never-Ending Joy of Leftovers
And speaking of turkey and mashed potatoes, the joy doesn’t stop with just one meal! After all that effort, you can forget the stress of cooking for a while.
There’s something magical about piling up plates of leftovers the next day. Turkey sandwiches, cold pie, reheated stuffing—it’s like the holiday feast all over again but with none of the pressure. Besides, food always tastes better when it’s had a night to “marinate,” right?
6. The Gift Wrapping Debacle
The beautifully wrapped presents you envisioned in your head? Yeah, those didn’t happen. Instead, you’ve got a pile of crumpled paper, too much tape, and a bow that refuses to stay in place.
But who cares? It’s the thought that counts, and everyone gets a good laugh at your “abstract art” gift-wrapping skills. After all, it’s moments like these that make the holidays memorable—who knew wrapping gifts could turn into an unintentional comedy show?
7. Laughter (Especially in the Face of Mishaps)
If there’s one thing that can help you steer the holiday chaos with grace, it’s laughter. When the turkey won't defrost, or the dog knocks over the Christmas tree, finding humor in the situation can lighten the mood and keep things in perspective. Sure, things went wrong, but at least you'll have a funny story to tell next year.
A sense of humor can also be a great tool for mental well-being and resilience. Instead of letting stress take over, practice gratitude for life's little surprises. Laugh at the unexpected, and remember that sometimes the best memories come from mishaps.
8. The Overenthusiastic Christmas Playlist
You thought playing holiday music nonstop would be festive—until you hit hour three of hearing “Jingle Bells” on a loop. But now, it’s all become a part of the fun, with family members belting out lyrics in increasingly ridiculous voices, adding impromptu dance moves, and maybe even starting a holiday karaoke competition.
At least it’s more entertaining than watching that fake Yule log burn on TV!
9. Kind Gestures That Brighten Your Day
Even when everything is going wrong, there are always moments of kindness that shine through. A friend offering to help in the kitchen, a neighbor bringing over extra food, or a simple smile from a stranger—all of these small acts of kindness can have a big impact. These gestures remind us that, even in the most stressful moments, there is always good in the world.
Focusing on these positive interactions can help you feel grateful for the people around you and the kindness they bring. A simple gratitude practice—like making a list of these moments at the end of the day—can help shift your focus from what went wrong to what went right.
10. Yummy, Freshly Baked Cookies (and Other Simple Comforts)
Sometimes your to-do list for the holidays can seem nerve-cracking and overwhelming, but it’s the little things that lift your spirits. Freshly baked cookies, a hot cup of cocoa, or even a quiet moment outside in the crisp night air can be a great source of comfort. These simple pleasures often get overlooked in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, but they are reminders that happiness doesn’t always come from big gestures or perfectly executed plans.
Take a moment to breathe deeply, sip your cocoa, and enjoy the fresh air and cozy warmth of your surroundings. Gratitude isn’t about waiting for the big things to go right—it’s about appreciating the little things that make life sweet, even in times of chaos.
11. Stolen Moments of Solitude
In the midst of all the holiday chaos, sometimes the most precious gift is a few stolen moments of solitude (especially if you're an introvert trying to survive the holidays!). Whether it’s sneaking outside for a breath of fresh air, retreating to a quiet room for a brief escape, or simply taking a longer-than-usual shower, these moments of peace are golden.
While everyone else is caught up in the flurry of activity, finding a few moments to be alone can help you recharge and regain your calm. It’s a small but powerful reminder to be grateful for the chance to step away, even if just for a moment, and reconnect with yourself amidst the holiday whirlwind.
12. The Opportunity to Slow Down
A canceled event or changed plan gives you the opportunity to take a breather. In the rush of trying to do everything, sometimes the universe forces us to rest, reflect, and recharge.
Slowing down also helps you become more mindful of your surroundings and emotions. Even during a tough holiday season, mindfulness can help you appreciate the simple things—like the sound of laughter or the warmth of your home.
During this time, you can also turn to a gratitude journal, where you write down things you’re thankful for—both big and small. It could be something as profound as good health or as simple as the way the night sky looks on a cold winter night. This practice not only improves mental health but also helps you approach life’s challenges with a more positive, grateful heart.
13. Personal Growth and Resilience
When everything goes wrong, it’s easy to feel defeated. But these moments are also opportunities for personal growth. Learning to navigate challenges with a positive mindset not only helps you survive the holidays but thrive through them. Each hurdle, from burnt dinners to awkward family conversations, teaches you resilience, patience, and the ability to practice gratitude with grace (literally and figuratively!).
Being thankful for personal growth during tough times is an important part of developing a strong sense of self-worth. These moments challenge you to remain calm, kind, and gracious even when the world feels out of control. And that’s a skill that goes beyond the holiday season.
If Everything Else Fails, Be Thankful for Still Having Your Physical and Mental Wellbeing!
After all is said and done—whether the turkey turned out perfectly or your Christmas tree is now sporting a new "lean"—the most important thing is that you’ve survived the holiday madness. As we all know, the holidays can take a toll, so if nothing else, be thankful that you’ve made it through with your physical and mental well-being (mostly) intact.
With the New Year on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to start fresh, reset, and refocus on taking care of yourself.
Surviving the holidays with grace and gratitude can be the perfect starting point for a new habit—like keeping a daily gratitude list. After all, if you can find things to be thankful for in the holiday chaos, imagine how much easier it will be when life calms down!
Be Thankful, Embrace Imperfection, and Find Joy When You Can
When everything seems to be going wrong during the holidays, it can be easy to lose sight of what matters most.
But by expressing gratitude—finding joy in imperfection, appreciating the little comforts, and embracing the love of family and friends—you can navigate even the toughest of times with grace.
The holiday season is about so much more than perfect meals and flawless decorations. It’s about resilience, love, laughter, and the ability to find gratitude in the most unexpected places. So, when things don't go as planned, take a deep breath, laugh it off, and remember: there's always something to be thankful for—even in the chaos.
Recommended Readings to Help You Find Gratitude in the Holiday Shuffle
