Happy Thanksgiving, y’all! The day of family and feasting has finally arrived. And aside from all the out-of-this-world food, there’s plenty to be grateful for. So in the spirit of the holiday, it seemed like the perfect time to focus on the many reasons we have to be thankful for living in Mississippi. Ready to count your blessings? Here are 20 reasons to give thanks for residing in the Hospitality State.
- Life moves at a slower pace, which means there’s more time to enjoy it.
Carl R Jr./Flickr
- Living among some of the friendliest people in the country is truly a blessing.
Jimmy Smith/Flickr
- Our summers may be hot and humid, but it’s a fair trade for the nice, mild winters we experience.
Natalie Maynor/Flickr
- With agriculture being such a big part of the state, access to fresh fruits and vegetables is a huge plus when it comes to life in Mississippi.
Natalie Maynor/Flickr
- From a low rate of violent crime to communities that ban together and look out for one another, the feeling of safety that comes along with living in Mississippi is irreplaceable.
businessinsider.com
- According to the Catalogue of Philanthropy’s “Generosity Index,” Mississippi is the most charitable state. How could we not be thankful for living in a place filled with kind-hearted, generous people?
Jimmy Smith/Flickr
- And those charitable donations probably have a lot to do with the fact that religion plays a huge role in the state – something which shouldn’t be taken for granted.
James Case/Flickr
- Without ever leaving the state, we can experience everything from the Hills regions in the northeast to the sandy shores of the Gulf Coast in the south.
Nick Sideras/Flickr
- From family reunions to family businesses, Mississippi clans have strong bonds and actually make time for one another – a quality that is a refreshing sight in this day and age.
Jimmy Smith/Flickr
- Living in Mississippi means many of us get to enjoy the best of both worlds – rural life and access to “big city” amenities, like great entertainment and renowned restaurants.
Richard Finkelstein via USA International Ballet Competition/Facebook
- Between the parties, community-wide events, and church happenings, the spirit of the Christmas season can’t be ignored…and it’s wonderful.
Troy DeRego/Flickr
- From burgeoning music, literary, and art scenes to producing talents such as Tennessee Williams and James Earl Jones, Mississippi is a great place to get those creative juices flowing.
U.S. Embassy London/Flickr
- If we didn’t live in Mississippi, we would never know how good crawfish, slugburgers, or fried catfish could be. Can you imagine?
Scott Kidder/Flickr
- We live in a place where a college football game includes food and quality time with family and friends. How could you not appreciate that?
Chris Lawrence/Flickr
- From fishing and hunting to camping and hiking, we are so lucky to have access to wide open spaces, which, for many of us, is right outside the front door.
Eric P/Flickr
- People treating each other with common courtesy and respect may seem like a foreign concept to some but luckily, it’s a reality here in Mississippi.
Sharon Sinclair/Flickr
- Living in a state filled with hardworking people means having a good work ethic instilled in us from a very young age.
U.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr
- From historic homes to battlefields, Mississippi has made extensive efforts to preserve the state’s history, giving residents a one-of-a-kind pass to yesteryear.
Visit Mississippi/Flickr
- Most of us live in a small town, which means a life of knowing everybody, community events, and lifelong friendships – can you imagine it any other way?
Patrick Q/Flickr
- Lastly, we should be thankful we’re lucky enough to call Mississippi home.
eTitleCash/Flickr
Why are you thankful for living in Mississippi? Tell us in the comments section below.
Carl R Jr./Flickr
Jimmy Smith/Flickr
Natalie Maynor/Flickr
businessinsider.com
James Case/Flickr
Nick Sideras/Flickr
Richard Finkelstein via USA International Ballet Competition/Facebook
Troy DeRego/Flickr
U.S. Embassy London/Flickr
Scott Kidder/Flickr
Chris Lawrence/Flickr
Eric P/Flickr
Sharon Sinclair/Flickr
U.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr
Visit Mississippi/Flickr
Patrick Q/Flickr
eTitleCash/Flickr
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