A Millennial's Thanksgiving List

Every year around Thanksgiving, I try to make a list of the things for which I’m most thankful. (Isn’t that what good citizens are supposed to do?) OF COURSE we’re thankful for all the F’s––family, friends, food, football, yata yata. This year I decided to dig deeper into my gratitude, specifically from the perspective of a Millennial.

So here’s my attempt to cut through the clutter and say what my generation is really thankful for!

1. Netflix

And not just Netflix, but the Netflix account you share with your cousin’s college roommate’s stepfamily (and somehow it’s always available!). Unlimited episodes of Friends and Gilmore Girls, embarrassingly endearing high school rom coms and addicting documentaries. Amazing.

2. The Chick-fil-A One App

*Sigh.* I can hear the angels singing right now. I bet in a decade or two, our kids will be asking, “What’s a drive thru?” and we’ll answer “It was like curbside pickup, but you couldn’t order ahead, and you had to wait in a long line because your food wasn’t ready. Oh! And we had no way to save points and earn free chicken sandwiches.”

(If you’re still living in darkness, CLICK HERE NOW.)

3. Facebook’s Unfollow Button

Don’t pretend like this isn’t an incredible gift to humanity. Now you can still be “friends” with Great-Aunt Pearl, but hourly updates on her pet parakeet and the occasional photo of her inflamed toenail won’t flood your timeline. (And they really will never know. Thanks, Mark!)

4. Facebook Birthdays

Speaking of Facebook, the birthday reminders have become one of the most compelling reasons not to delete your account completely and commit to Instagram full-time. Can you imagine having to actually remember your friends’ birthdays? Or if we’re really honest, your family members’?!

5. Amazon Prime

An excellent counter-argument to any Santa Claus skeptics. If Amazon can provide free two-day shipping on most products ALL year round, Santa can easily deliver Christmas presents in one night. (Maybe Amazon partners with Santa? Could HQ2 be the North Pole?)

6. Avocados

Toast, guac, a t-shirt. You name it, we can avocado-ify it, and it’s wonderful.

7. Portrait Mode

It’s like the “pretty face” Snapchat filter, but it’s REAL. Now if only Apple can figure out how to enhance photos in a way that applies makeup and styles your hair…

8. Credit Cards and Venmo

On multiple occasions, my parents have strongly expressed how they believe I should carry cash at all times. And I do! I have a Johnny Cash C.D. in the glove compartment of my car . (And yes, Mom and Dad, Venmo is “real” money!)

I thought about including yoga pants and emojis, but they felt very 2014‍. Anyway, I hope you’ve enjoyed this fun list, but I also hope you’ll take some time to reflect on the real (substantial!) things that you’re thankful for this season.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! May everyone enjoy plenty of sweet potato casserole with your favorite preferred topping.