Fifty-three percent (53%) of Americans say they are more thankful this Thanksgiving than they were last year at this time.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 11% are less thankful, while 35% are about as thankful this year as they were last year.
* The Question: Are you more thankful this year than last year? Explain.
- Posted by Rich Miller
29 Comments
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 12:08 pm:
Here’s to Another Year of Cheating Death!
Bloody right I’m thankful, and although my cup runneth over more this year than last, one must never forget how lucky you are to have a cup in the first place.
Well I am certainly more thankful this year for what I had LAST year.
- Moving to Oklahoma - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 12:39 pm:
More thankful now than ever. I have a great job, wonderful family, no major health problems. I thought of this song when I read this question today, so listen along if ya like.
Well, let’s see. My best friend died, another good friend is hospitalized in a cancer ward, another friend is on dialysis, and my grandmother was admitted to the hospital last night.
On the other hand, I’ve grown closer to several of my friends and family members and reconnected with some great old friends, my home life is good, my business is still quite strong, my health is still relatively intact, I quit smoking and think I may finally have that licked, and RRB is out of office.
I try to always be thankful for the many blessings I have, but this year I really do feel more thankful. I have a good job, a great wife, wonderful family, and we all survived the biggest financial meltdown in our lifetime.
Now if the Cubs could find a way to win a world series next year, the thankful meter might need a reset. Since the Bears appear to be headed south, I just want to remind everyone that pitchers and catchers report soon after the primary. For that, we can all be thankful!
Kids have full time jobs with insurance, wife’s job and mine seem fairly stable right now, ahead of the game for paying off the house, friend’s all seem to currently having good runs of health, no significant family disputes (but those always made for great entertainment at past Thanksgivings after a couple of beers), and I am on the right side of the grass. Life’s pretty good right now.
I am more thankful than last year, my cup is a little depleted this year, but I am thankful that my wife and I both still have cups. Our kids are healthy and happy.
I am also thankful the new and improved capfax site crashed and we get to keep this one a while longer. it fits like a comfortable well worn set of shoes. Don’t tell Rich.
Thanksgiving had always been my mothers’ favorite holiday. She died on Thanksgiving 1998. Our family could focus on the sadness of her passing but choose to celebrate her life as well as ours. I am thankful my family is whole and healthy. I am thankful my wife and I are employed. I am thankful for my only child. He is a joy. I am thankful for the opportunities that this greatest nation on earth afford us. I am thankful for the service provided by our armed forces personnel.
I am as thankful as I can be - more or less than last year is too hard to determine.
- CircularFiringSquad - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 2:05 pm:
Capt Fax:
Quitting the smokes and RRB gone has got to put you way ahead even with the loss of friends, etc.
Plus that little Princess still hangs with you
For me I thankful for that takes place in my life.
Bush and his Wall Street regulators have not killed me, there are plenty of GOPs to giggle at, the family has recovered from some or all versions of the flu and there is a big turkey flapping his wings in the back yard waiting for D-Day
Have a great weekend.
- Dan S, a voter and Cubs Fan - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 2:19 pm:
Yes I’m more Thankfull, I have received 12 more months of being verticle and breatheing.
Roof over my head, food on the table, clothes on my back, no one shooting at me, can still drive safely across this great nation without crossing check points, people are still trying to get into this great country, good health, good friends, new family members, our political system still works, and I have access to CapFax…..all in all a great year.
I am just as thankful this year as ever I have been.
- Pot calling kettle - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 2:43 pm:
More thankful every year. I could list the good and the bad and weigh them against each other, but I prefer to chalk the bad up to experience and move those valuable experiences into the good column.
It has been a very challenging year. For the first time in many years, I’ve lost more than I’ve won. I’m thankful to have gotten through it, but I wish it had been a bit easier. When I think back on “years I enjoyed” 2009 is not going to make the list.
Still though, my immediate family is healthy and happy. When it comes down to it, nothing else matters, so I’m definitely thankful.
I love my wife more and more. I’ve got a great job and a great home. I learn so much every year. My nephew is safe in Afghanistan and my niece gets more beautiful every day. Rich knows my true identity but knows how to keep a secret. Life is good.
I’m Thankful to be Blessed with the opportunity to see Illinois and America receive a little more time to get things right! My prayer is that we work together to make it happen! Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Over a lifetime some years are definitely better and happier than others, but I do my “ledger balancing” on New Years Eve. For us, Thanksgiving Day has always been ONLY about acknowledging our blessings. Thursday will be no different, and the blessings are many.
- Will County Woman - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 5:44 pm:
I am very thankful and extremely happy. Life is good!
Was laid off from my full time job at the state, but was immediately hired full time by the gracious people at my part time job (despite my age LOL).I am healthy and my son and his family are, too. Thankfulness does not seem to cover it enough.
Yes, I am much more thankful this Thanksgiving than last because I had no job last Thanksgiving (and for a long time thereafter). I now have a great job, which I am not taking for granted, but hope to hang on to for a long time.
I’m definitely more thankful. It’s certainly been a challenging year because everything in our lives is changing, but I’m counting my blessings–and there are so many! I also know that next year is going to be one of the best ever because of some of the changes that took place this year. Life is good. lol
Hard question to answer right now. The Dr. is 98% certain that my Mom has cancer. More tests after the holiday. I have been told that if it is, it is a fast growing, aggressive one. I am numb, still holding onto that 2% for hope. Not sure how to approach the holiday this year. Mom wants to be alone. I am working at being thankful this year. Its not coming as easy as in previous years. I think I will focus on how thankful I am to still have my mother. I know so many who no longer have their parents or loved ones. The holidays will be difficult for so many. I plan to take time to pray for those who struggle during this time of year due to the pain of loss.
Rich, I am still praying for Carlos. Damn cancer!!!
I am thankful for much. I do think I will hang on tighter to those I love this year.
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- Yellow Dog Democrat - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 12:08 pm:
Here’s to Another Year of Cheating Death!
Bloody right I’m thankful, and although my cup runneth over more this year than last, one must never forget how lucky you are to have a cup in the first place.
- Obamarama - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 12:39 pm:
Well I am certainly more thankful this year for what I had LAST year.
- Moving to Oklahoma - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 12:39 pm:
More thankful now than ever. I have a great job, wonderful family, no major health problems. I thought of this song when I read this question today, so listen along if ya like.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7gMePDTOPM
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 1:15 pm:
Well, let’s see. My best friend died, another good friend is hospitalized in a cancer ward, another friend is on dialysis, and my grandmother was admitted to the hospital last night.
On the other hand, I’ve grown closer to several of my friends and family members and reconnected with some great old friends, my home life is good, my business is still quite strong, my health is still relatively intact, I quit smoking and think I may finally have that licked, and RRB is out of office.
It’s a wash, I think.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 1:21 pm:
I try to always be thankful for the many blessings I have, but this year I really do feel more thankful. I have a good job, a great wife, wonderful family, and we all survived the biggest financial meltdown in our lifetime.
Now if the Cubs could find a way to win a world series next year, the thankful meter might need a reset. Since the Bears appear to be headed south, I just want to remind everyone that pitchers and catchers report soon after the primary. For that, we can all be thankful!
- zatoichi - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 1:37 pm:
Kids have full time jobs with insurance, wife’s job and mine seem fairly stable right now, ahead of the game for paying off the house, friend’s all seem to currently having good runs of health, no significant family disputes (but those always made for great entertainment at past Thanksgivings after a couple of beers), and I am on the right side of the grass. Life’s pretty good right now.
- Just wondering - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 1:41 pm:
Thankful as can be. Five healthy kids, a husband who loves me and I love him, a roof over our heads and we have jobs.
I love Thanksgiving!
- Ghost - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 1:45 pm:
I am more thankful than last year, my cup is a little depleted this year, but I am thankful that my wife and I both still have cups. Our kids are healthy and happy.
- Ghost - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 1:47 pm:
I am also thankful the new and improved capfax site crashed and we get to keep this one a while longer. it fits like a comfortable well worn set of shoes. Don’t tell Rich.
- Plutocrat03 - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 1:49 pm:
I am thankful this year as in years past.
The trials that have tested me this past year have been conquered. I look forward to the challenges of the future.
- dupage dan - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 2:03 pm:
Thanksgiving had always been my mothers’ favorite holiday. She died on Thanksgiving 1998. Our family could focus on the sadness of her passing but choose to celebrate her life as well as ours. I am thankful my family is whole and healthy. I am thankful my wife and I are employed. I am thankful for my only child. He is a joy. I am thankful for the opportunities that this greatest nation on earth afford us. I am thankful for the service provided by our armed forces personnel.
I am as thankful as I can be - more or less than last year is too hard to determine.
- CircularFiringSquad - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 2:05 pm:
Capt Fax:
Quitting the smokes and RRB gone has got to put you way ahead even with the loss of friends, etc.
Plus that little Princess still hangs with you
For me I thankful for that takes place in my life.
Bush and his Wall Street regulators have not killed me, there are plenty of GOPs to giggle at, the family has recovered from some or all versions of the flu and there is a big turkey flapping his wings in the back yard waiting for D-Day
Have a great weekend.
- Dan S, a voter and Cubs Fan - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 2:19 pm:
Yes I’m more Thankfull, I have received 12 more months of being verticle and breatheing.
- thankful - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 2:34 pm:
I am more thankful every day than the last, so I am definitely more thankful this year than last year.
- Vote Quimby! - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 2:37 pm:
I am more thankful this year, even though I lost my job. It’s given me time to focus on what I want to do, and who I want to do it with.
- Justice - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 2:40 pm:
Roof over my head, food on the table, clothes on my back, no one shooting at me, can still drive safely across this great nation without crossing check points, people are still trying to get into this great country, good health, good friends, new family members, our political system still works, and I have access to CapFax…..all in all a great year.
I am just as thankful this year as ever I have been.
- Pot calling kettle - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 2:43 pm:
More thankful every year. I could list the good and the bad and weigh them against each other, but I prefer to chalk the bad up to experience and move those valuable experiences into the good column.
- OdysseusVL - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 2:44 pm:
It has been a very challenging year. For the first time in many years, I’ve lost more than I’ve won. I’m thankful to have gotten through it, but I wish it had been a bit easier. When I think back on “years I enjoyed” 2009 is not going to make the list.
Still though, my immediate family is healthy and happy. When it comes down to it, nothing else matters, so I’m definitely thankful.
- phocion - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 3:03 pm:
I love my wife more and more. I’ve got a great job and a great home. I learn so much every year. My nephew is safe in Afghanistan and my niece gets more beautiful every day. Rich knows my true identity but knows how to keep a secret. Life is good.
- humbled 1 - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 3:31 pm:
I’m Thankful to be Blessed with the opportunity to see Illinois and America receive a little more time to get things right! My prayer is that we work together to make it happen! Happy Thanksgiving to all.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 4:10 pm:
Every day above ground, brother; I’m more thankful for each and every one.
As you get older, you don’t get rattled by day-to-day stuff as much. Plenty more where that came from.
Healthy family, a couple of nickels to rub together in my pocket, living as a free man in the United States. It’s all gravy after that.
- Cindy Lou - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 4:44 pm:
Still holding steady, yeah sure, a few headaches and a few things to annoy, but overall, I’ve much to be thankful for and very thankful for it.
- Responsa - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 4:49 pm:
Over a lifetime some years are definitely better and happier than others, but I do my “ledger balancing” on New Years Eve. For us, Thanksgiving Day has always been ONLY about acknowledging our blessings. Thursday will be no different, and the blessings are many.
- Will County Woman - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 5:44 pm:
I am very thankful and extremely happy. Life is good!
- Really? - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 7:30 pm:
Was laid off from my full time job at the state, but was immediately hired full time by the gracious people at my part time job (despite my age LOL).I am healthy and my son and his family are, too. Thankfulness does not seem to cover it enough.
- MrJM - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 8:02 pm:
“Are you more thankful this year than last year?”
No. Just too many family deaths in the last 12 months.
Yes. I am much more grateful for my loved ones than I was a year ago.
– MrJM
http://twitter.com/misterjayem
- Cheswick - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 9:15 pm:
Yes, I am much more thankful this Thanksgiving than last because I had no job last Thanksgiving (and for a long time thereafter). I now have a great job, which I am not taking for granted, but hope to hang on to for a long time.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 24, 09 @ 11:05 pm:
I’m definitely more thankful. It’s certainly been a challenging year because everything in our lives is changing, but I’m counting my blessings–and there are so many! I also know that next year is going to be one of the best ever because of some of the changes that took place this year. Life is good. lol
- Say WHAT? - Wednesday, Nov 25, 09 @ 11:45 am:
Hard question to answer right now. The Dr. is 98% certain that my Mom has cancer. More tests after the holiday. I have been told that if it is, it is a fast growing, aggressive one. I am numb, still holding onto that 2% for hope. Not sure how to approach the holiday this year. Mom wants to be alone. I am working at being thankful this year. Its not coming as easy as in previous years. I think I will focus on how thankful I am to still have my mother. I know so many who no longer have their parents or loved ones. The holidays will be difficult for so many. I plan to take time to pray for those who struggle during this time of year due to the pain of loss.
Rich, I am still praying for Carlos. Damn cancer!!!
I am thankful for much. I do think I will hang on tighter to those I love this year.