A Thanksgiving Thank You for Those Working on the Holiday

Thanksgiving is a day when many of us gather with family and friends to relax and celebrate the holiday. Our tables are likely laden with mouthwatering dishes: like turkey (or tofurkey), stuffing, cranberry sauce, and maybe pumpkin pie.

Before we dig in, we may pause to consider and share what we’re grateful for. And as we eat, we share stories and create new memories. But while many of us are fortunate enough to enjoy this national holiday at home, millions of workers across the country are clocking in, ensuring that the rest of us can celebrate the day safely, comfortably, and without interruption.

So let’s extend our gratitude beyond our dinner tables to acknowledge and thank the essential workers who are sacrificing their own holiday celebrations to be there for us.

Who’s Working While We’re Feasting?

The list of those working on Thanksgiving is long and humbling.

• Healthcare workers—doctors, nurses, EMTs, and hospital staff—who continue their tireless care of patients and our loved ones.  Emergencies don’t take holidays, and these dedicated professionals ensure that help is always available.
• First responders — police officers, firefighters, and paramedics, who remain on duty day and night to keep our communities safe. Their vigilance allows us to celebrate with peace of mind, knowing that response will be there if and when we need it.
• Nursing home staff and home health aides who provide companionship and essential care to our most vulnerable populations, ensuring that elderly and disabled individuals receive the attention and dignity they deserve every day and especially on a holiday.
• Homeless shelter workers and volunteers who will provide a meal and a smile to their guests.
• Transportation workers who keep the country moving. Pilots, flight attendants, train conductors, bus drivers, and taxi/Uber/Lyft drivers who help families reunite across distances.
• Truck drivers who continue to transport goods across highways so that stores remain stocked and supply chains continue flowing.
• Retail and grocery store employees who open their doors early—sometimes even on Thanksgiving evening—to accommodate holiday shoppers.
• Restaurant and hotel staff who will serve those who are traveling or choose to dine out, providing hospitality away from home.
• Utility workers, from power plant operators to maintenance crews to wastewater treatment plant workers, who will ensure we have electricity, heat, and running water.
• Broadcast journalists and media personnel who will keep us informed and entertained throughout the day.
• Air traffic controllers
• Active-duty military personnel
• Border and customs agents at airports and border crossings.

The Hidden Cost of Working the Holiday

When someone works on Thanksgiving, they’re not just missing a meal. They’re missing  time and laughter with family and friends. They’re missing the comfort of family traditions and the chance to watch the parade or the big game together. They’re missing moments that can never be recreated— a grandparent’s story, a grandchild’s first Thanksgiving, a family recipe passed down through generations, or even a last meal with a loved one.

For many workers, the decision to work on Thanksgiving isn’t really a choice. It’s a requirement of their profession, an economic necessity, or both. While some receive holiday pay or overtime, no amount of extra compensation can truly replace the intangible value of being present with loved ones on a day dedicated to togetherness.

Showing Our Appreciation

Gratitude is more than a feeling—it’s an action. Here are meaningful ways to thank those who work on Thanksgiving:

Be kind and patient. If you interact with someone working on Thanksgiving—whether at a hospital, store, restaurant, or gas station—recognize their sacrifice with genuine kindness. A sincere “thank you for working today” can brighten someone’s difficult shift.

Tip generously. If you’re dining out or using a service on Thanksgiving, show your appreciation through your wallet. A generous tip acknowledges the sacrifice these workers are making.

Plan ahead. The more prepared you are before the holiday, the less you’ll need to rely on services that require others to work. Finish your grocery shopping early, fill up your gas tank, and handle necessary tasks in advance.

Support fair labor practices. Consider whether your shopping habits on Thanksgiving support businesses that treat their workers fairly. Some companies give employees the holiday off and an extra bonus, while others prioritize profits over people. Vote with your dollars, as well as your feet.

Advocate for change. Support policies that ensure fair wages, adequate time off, and reasonable working conditions for those in essential services. Workers deserve to be treated with dignity every day of the year.

Remember them throughout the year. Our healthcare workers, first responders, retail and service workers deserve our appreciation on February 10th and July 23rd just as much as on Thanksgiving day. Make kindness and gratitude a daily practice, not just a seasonal sentiment.

If you know someone who will be working this Thanksgiving, send them a text message to let them know you’re thinking of them, offer to save them a plate or celebrate with them on a different day.

Bottom Line

This year, as you sit down to your Thanksgiving meal, take a moment to think about all those who are working so we can celebrate. These workers are the unsung heroes of our holiday. They deserve not just our passing thanks, but our deep and lasting appreciation.

So before we carve the turkey, let’s carve out a moment to acknowledge those who can’t be at their own tables. Gratitude isn’t just about what we have—it’s about recognizing what others give so that we might have it.

To everyone working this Thanksgiving: thank you. Your dedication does not go unnoticed. Your sacrifice matters. And while you may not be sitting at your own family table, you are in our thoughts and in our hearts.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.