Just about everything under our Christmas tree this year was made from natural gas byproducts. The only things that weren’t – a harmonica and a coffee mug with the word “Grateful.”

Toys made with natural gas byproducts.

Between my son’s December birthday and Christmas, he received all kinds of NERF guns, flying toys, retro video games, lawn darts, a basketball, lava lamp, fidget spinners and more. I’m not sure what Santa and his elves would have done without the natural gas byproducts that go into the manufacturing of so many popular children’s toys.

My Thanksgiving Day blog post included a long list of what I’m thankful for. The coffee mug from a dear friend will remind me throughout 2018 to continue to be grateful for family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, even strangers and all the conveniences we have in our world – many of those made possible by oil and natural gas.

As the temperatures dipped into the teens this week, I’m especially grateful for a warm house, hot water and electricity. There are many people in my hometown who don’t have these basic things. I’m thankful for the many non-profits and churches that open their doors each day and night to shelter those from the cold.

This coffee mug will serve as a reminder to be grateful in the New Year.

Besides being thankful for leftover white cheddar corn chowder from Christmas Eve and ham from my cousin’s wonderful Christmas Day dinner, I’m thankful for my husband who knew how to assemble the array of toys on Christmas morning…and batteries, I’m thankful for lots of batteries.

Best wishes for a Happy New Year!