As Americans gather for Thanksgiving, surveys reveal a nation overwhelmingly grateful for personal blessings while harboring deep unease about broader economic and social challenges facing the country.
An overwhelming 91% of U.S. adults say they feel thankful this year, according to YouGov. When asked what tops their gratitude list, nearly half chose family, with health coming a distant second. Faith, finances and other factors lagged well behind, underscoring that family and health remain the cornerstone blessings for most people.
In open-ended responses, Americans frequently mentioned being thankful that their "family and I are alive [and] healthy" or for new additions like "I have a new baby," reflecting the value placed on loved ones and life's milestones, according to the YouGov survey.
The findings were similar in other polls.
"Gratitude, family and great food remain cornerstones of the season," a National Turkey Federation survey noted, with 94% of Americans planning to celebrate Thanksgiving 2025 in some form.
Beyond personal relationships, Americans express gratitude for peace and financial stability. The YouGov survey finds 79% are grateful the U.S. is not embroiled in a war while 60% feel thankful for their personal financial situation.
However, far fewer express gratitude for conditions in society at large. Only about 26% feel thankful about the U.S. economy's condition, and just 18% feel thankful for how "the poor, the homeless, and the less fortunate" are treated in America. In fact, a majority are not thankful about those societal issues, the survey found.
Gratitude transcends political lines – majorities of both parties express thankfulness – though slightly fewer Democrats, at 85%, than Republicans, at 97%, say they feel thankful this year, a gap that hints at differing outlooks on the year's events according to YouGov.
Partisanship plays a significant role in how Americans view national conditions. Republicans are far more likely than Democrats to feel thankful about the economy's state – 46% versus 15% – and even about how the less fortunate are treated, reflecting divergent political lenses on national conditions, according to YouGov.
In a Fox News voter poll, 33% said they have more to be thankful for in 2025 than they did last year, compared with 25% who feel they have less, while the largest share – 42% – feel about equally thankful as before.
In California these gratitude trends largely mirror the national picture. Polls do not show vast regional divergence in what people appreciate; family, friends and health are cherished across the board.
Southern California is seeing record Thanksgiving travel this year, with an estimated 6.8 million SoCal residents hitting the road or flying to spend the holiday with loved ones.
Some practical circumstances in California add a local twist to Thanksgiving. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, residents here face steeper holiday costs than most Americans, as a classic Thanksgiving dinner for 10 in California runs about $72.61 – much higher than the $55 national average. Food prices in the state, from turkeys to produce, remain elevated due to factors like transportation costs and earlier inflation surges.
Local Leaders Share Their Gratitude
Santa Monica community leaders offered their reflections on what they're grateful for this Thanksgiving season.
"As we gather this Thanksgiving, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our Santa Monica–Malibu community," said Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein of the SMMUSD Board of Education. "This season invites us to pause, reflect, and give thanks for all that we have and for all those we hold dear. In a time when vitriol and disrespect seem far too common, I am especially grateful for the care, compassion, and resilience that define our schools and our neighborhoods. May we continue to choose community over division, respect over rancor, and generosity over fear. Let us move forward with gratitude—and a renewed commitment to caring for one another."
Hodge Patterson of the Santa Monica Family YMCA emphasized community support.
"This year, I'm grateful for a community that shows up for one another," Patterson said. "From supporting families during fire-relief efforts to expanding access so everyone can belong at our Y, Santa Monica's strength shines through. I'm especially thankful for our dedicated staff and volunteers whose impactful work makes this mission real every day. And I'm grateful that my own family gets to learn and grow through SMMUSD schools and Y programs. It's an honor to serve and help create safe, welcoming spaces for all."
Jon Farzam of the Shore Hotel expressed appreciation for the diverse community.
"This year, I am especially thankful for the people who bring Santa Monica to life every day: our staff, neighbors, and guests from around the world," Farzam said. "Their resilience, kindness, and trust carried us through another year of change and reminded me how strong this community is when we work together. I am grateful to call Santa Monica home, to welcome travelers to our city, and to be part of a community that shows up for one another."
Santa Monica City Council member Caroline M. Torosis reflected on family and community resilience.
"This year I am grateful for my family, especially my beautiful nephews who remind me what joy and possibility look like," Torosis said. "In a time when so many people around the world are living through conflict, loss, and uncertainty, I am holding close the gift of health, safety, and loved ones. I am grateful for the residents, workers, and small businesses in Santa Monica who show courage and kindness every day. Their hope and perseverance fuel my commitment to build a safer, more just, and more compassionate community for everyone."
Jeremy Ferguson of Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. highlighted those who maintain the city's vitality.
"I am thankful for the people who bring Downtown Santa Monica to life every day," Ferguson said. "I am grateful for the teams who care for our streets and public spaces, the businesses that invest in our district, and the community partners who work with us to make downtown welcoming for everyone. I am thankful for the artists, residents, and visitors who remind us how special this place is. Most of all, I am grateful to serve a downtown that reflects the spirit of the entire city and to help strengthen the connections that support Santa Monica's ongoing reinvestment together."
James Harris of the Santa Monica Pier offered personal and professional thanks.
"I must begin my Thanksgiving gratitude with a nod to my parents, for my birthday always falls on or near the holiday (and this year, on Thanksgiving Day!)," Harris said. "And I am of course forever grateful for my wife and daughters, and all family and friends - my base. And right up there at the top I am also thankful for the people of the Santa Monica Pier - past and present - for their dedication has made it unique, vital, important, and distinct."