Giving Thanks

I love Thanksgiving. I also love the week that leads up to it. This has always been my favorite holiday and favorite time of year.

I love Thanksgiving not just because it focuses on food, family, faith, and football, but also because it is steeped in gratitude. Gratitude is always in the air at this time of year. I can feel it, I can sense it, and I love expressing it to the people in my life. I also love being on the receiving end of it.

I was in New York City this past week co-hosting TODAY, and when I went to leave the studio on Friday, I found two notes on the makeup counter with my name on them. One was a belated birthday card signed by so many people who I had spent the week with. That touched me so much. The other was a card containing a heartfelt and moving note from my friend Hoda. Her words instantly brought me to tears and expanded my heart.