Giving thanks: A brief turkey break from benefits communication

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It’s a day to think about the things that fulfill us and spend time with family and friends. (And cook and eat, of course.) Combining it with Hanukkah this year adds to an already perfect holiday!   

As we get ready for a (much-needed) long weekend, we want to share a few thoughts about what we’re grateful for this holiday season.

I feel especially thankful to be surrounded by such a talented and passionate team. And, I am thankful to spend the holiday with my family in Denver. More thoughts from our team are below.  

From all of us, have a wonderful Thanksgiving and happy Hanukkah!

Michelle, Senior Project Manger

I'm grateful that I'm able to have the lifestyle that I do. To be able to take care of myself in all the ways I do, for all the amazing food we have access to and to be in here in California where it is so beautiful. And for all the many relationships that I have with such amazing people – family, friends, co-workers – and how nourishing they are in different ways.

Liz, Senior Consultant

I'm grateful for the spirit of debate we have in America. Our family Thanksgiving feast will be lively with it this year!

Brian, Designer

I am thankful for family, friends, and amazing opportunities.

Sam, Assistant Project Manager

• My grandma's fantastic cooking capabilities.
• A wonderful college experience.
• Photography.
• My Geek desk!
• Sales on sales at my favorite stores.
• Rainy weather.

Kristin, Technical Lead

I am thankful for how beautiful my backyard looks after the first snowfall of the year—and then even more thankful a few months later to see the grass again!

Katie, Senior Consultant

I'm thankful for my family, my crazy black labs, and the fact that Kyle the gecko survived another year in my home (relatively unharmed).

Lindsay, Consultant

I'm thankful for all the unexpected adventures this year and everything I learned along the way.

Lauren, Art Director

• All the amazing people in my life that make me laugh and smile.
• Spell check.
• Dark chocolate and wine.
• Living in a hilly city.
• That my climbing gym is expanding in January.

Phoebe, Office Manager

I'm thankful for funny friends and sweet relatives.

Cat, Designer

I am thankful for wild open spaces, my wonderful family, our kitty who takes my torture with humor and bites, and work that challenges and fulfills me.

Joanna, Designer

I am thankful for having this new job with such a good group of people who do great work.

Caroline, Project Manager

I'm grateful for the amazing relationship I have with my parents and sister.

Carol, Senior Consultant

I'm thankful for my friends and family, a good book, green bean casserole and Ryan Gosling (not necessarily in that order).

Melanie, Writer

I am grateful for the fall season and everything it brings. The changing leaves and their beautiful colors, boots and cable-knit sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes.

Keri, Project Manager

• My kitten.
• Wine and cheese.
• The upcoming season of holiday parties and laughter.

Jenni, Senior Consultant

I'm grateful for good health, good friends and the privilege of living in the U.S. 

Jon, Director of Creative Technology & Innovation

I'm thankful for my incredible family, the Pacific Northwest, and websites that look great on mobile devices!!

Kelley, Editorial Director

Coffee, wine, chocolate, and the gym. And boots. And sweatpants. And warm fires. And of course, my wonderful family, dear friends and colleagues, and the bittersweet joy of how fleeting and fragile it all is.

Isabelle, Creative Director

I am thankful for my senses and all that they do for me. Seeing the ugly around me reminds me how much work is still needed and how what we do to each other matters, while the beauty around me reminds me that there is a point to it all. Hearing what others have to teach me, and what the water tells me as it moves around the rocks. Tasting the sweetness of Swedish candy, taking me home to my family with one bite. Smelling the salt ocean air or rich mountain wind wherever I am at the moment. Touching the people I love, and being touched. I am thankful for every minute of every day I get to experience.