Its Thanksgiving and here's what team Bazaar is most grateful for in 2025

Yes, the official day of gratitude is here. Thanksgiving is that one day in the year that nudges you to pause, look up from deadlines, and ask yourself what you’re truly grateful for. Now, gratitude may come easily for some, but for others, it can be quite the struggle, especially in a year that’s been equal parts chaotic and somewhat transformative. But if there's one thing gratitude journals have taught me, it's that there is always something to be grateful for, no matter how small or insignificant you think it might be. You made it through a rough week? Yay! You decided to have a healthy meal for lunch? Yay! You woke up feeling healthy and rested? It counts. It all counts! 

And so, in the spirit of celebrating the small joys and the quiet victories, the Harper's Bazaar team decided to share what they’re most grateful for in 2025.

Tanvi Parekh, Assistant Editor 

When I was given the task to list what I have been grateful for this year, I could only think of: nothing (and this has nothing to do with my sun sign—I'm a Virgo, just FI—or the high standards and sensibilities it expects from beings around them). 2025 has been a particularly challenging year on many fronts, especially emotionally and mentally. To put it plainly, the vibes have been quite off! But the more I thought about what I have been grateful for this year, at the cost of sounding cliché, I realised it is my people! 

Whether I am having a mental breakdown, feeling stuck, or even acting silly, I have always had at least one person by my side, watching me offload my pent-up crazy, hating on people I hate, listening to voice notes and winding stories, glugging drinks with me, and being a little whacky themselves. 

They all know who they are, and I am really thankful for them being around, ALWAYS.

This year felt like a major character development arc. I worked on my biggest insecurities, learned so much about myself, and finally started being kinder to myself—actually choosing to love myself for real.

I’m grateful for the beautiful people in my life who made me feel loved, valued, and who showed up for me, and also grateful for the ones who left (thank you, next!). And for all the tiny wins that kept me sane. I grew, I healed a little, I worked a lot, I laughed a lot more, and I realised I’m way stronger than I ever gave myself credit for.

And somewhere in the middle of all that… opening up again, feeling something soft, warm, almost like love—and living a life that younger me dreamed of—honestly feels like a movie. And I'm grateful for all of it! 

Schenelle Dsouza, Junior Features Editor 

I've always struggled with gratitude, but this year, I’m choosing to be grateful for the important things, especially for the people who made everything feel a little lighter—my friends, who showed up in ways big and small, and reminded me that support doesn’t always have to be loud to be meaningful. I’m also thankful for finally giving myself permission to step outside the constant rush of work and actually enjoy life’s experiences. That includes slower weekends, spontaneous plans, good meals, and moments that made the year feel fuller. It’s been a reminder that joy doesn’t always come from grand milestones—sometimes it’s just in choosing to live a little more. 

I am thankful for the courage it took to walk away from a toxic relationship..., and even more grateful for the best friends who stood by me... I’m grateful to have met someone new... who entered my life so unexpectedly and has become one of this year’s brightest highlights.

Eden Noronha, Features Editor 

I’m thankful for a life that’s full of people who love me, support me, and tolerate me even when I’m at my weirdest. I’m grateful for a year of good health, and even more grateful that I can finally eat the foods I actually want without spiralling into medical paranoia. I’m thankful for the everyday luxuries that make life worth living—music that makes me feel something, books that pull me in, movies and shows that move me (or at least make me laugh, cry, or think), and meals so delicious they put me on cloud nine. Here’s to surviving, thriving, and eating dessert without guilt.

Tanmay Ashar, Social Media Manager 

I’m grateful for the tough days that taught me resilience, and the good days that made it all worth it. Both shaped me in ways I’ll stay thankful for. 

Sagarika Choudhary, Features Writer, Entertainment

This year felt like a series of quiet victories. I ticked off long-time bucket list dreams, from being part of a literature festival that I was trying for four years to facing my fear of water through scuba diving, to finally taking that huge leap in my career. But more than anything, I am grateful for the friends and family who kept nudging me forward every time I doubted myself.

This year, I am grateful for my people—the family and friends who always show up for me. And for finally coming home after two years abroad, a time that taught me a lot.

Sidhi Goel, Social Media Executive 

I'm thankful for the version of me who kept going, even on the days when it felt impossible. Grateful for all the unexpected yeses that opened new doors, and the perfectly timed no’s that protected me from what wasn’t meant for me. This year taught me that everything really does fall into place when it’s supposed to.

Shalini Kanojia, Editorial Coordinator 

I have been grateful for meeting some truly great and inspirational people in 2025, and for my company of lovely cats and family.

Lead image: IMDb

Also read: 5 movies that celebrate the essence of Thanksgiving and put you in the holiday spirit

Also read: Here’s where you can buy guided journals from