Why We Are Thankful This Year

thanks monarch colorado — *We are all about thankfulness today. This photo is from Colorado’s Monarch Mountain. ©braveskimom.com*

Good morning and Happy Thanksgiving week! Today, rather than lead with a gift giving guide and jump on the Black Friday train, I thought I would share a few thoughts on why we are thankful this year. If you are looking for curated gift ideas for skiing and snowboarding families, you’ll find them at the end of this short post.

Thankful for My Family

In ordinary years, we have much for which to give thanks, but 2021 has been singularly challenging for several of my close family members. My sons and I have been fortunate to have been in good health all year, but between my husband’s mountain biking accident, and two loved ones who are handling serious health issues with singular grace, I find myself especially thankful for family this year. We have been especially fortunate to spend a lot of extra time with my brother and sister-in-law, which has been fantastic.

skiing with teens — *Skiing with toddlers or teens? I’ve written about it all – the challenges and the joys! ©braveskimom.com*

Thankful for My Work

When the pandemic began in March 2020, writing about snowsports and travel seemed wildly inappropriate. Not in the least because ski resorts in Colorado (and Austria) were among the primary vectors spreading COVID-19 virus in its early days. Taking a break to cocoon with my family was a blessing. But one can only cocoon for so long and I was incredibly fortunate to take on a challenging, part-time position at an after-school tutoring and educational enrichment program called Riverside Educational Center.

(For pandemic pro tips — how to navigate your health while skiing this winter, click here)

Having been a freelance writer and content creator for the previous ten years, the switch to the nonprofit world has been both challenging and rewarding. My position includes a lot of writing and design (and talking!). And while I have less time to write about skiing and family snowsports, our Executive Director completely understands when I skip a half day to ski. Sometimes, she — also a ski mom — comes with me.

Thankful for the Braveskimom Community

I will be the first to admit that this website has not been as robust in 2021 as it has in years past. My sons, who were young teens when I created braveskimom.com are now adults. And while I still enjoy writing about family skiing and answering questions, providing advice, and offering encouragement to skiing and snowboarding families, we are in a different place than we used to be and the content emphasis and frequency is evolving.

So many of you have stuck with me since Braveskimom.com launched in 2010. And many of you have become virtual and in-person friends. Truly, there is nothing better than connecting with a reader in person, to spend a day skiing.

(To read my debut post, click here)

women's day eldora mountain resort — *Meeting up with ski industry friends on a lovely spring day at Eldora Mountain Resort near Boulder, Colorado. ©braveskimom*

Thank you to all of you who continue to visit Braveskimom.com, comment, reach out with content suggestions, and introduce the mostly timeless content to new readers. One of the most popular braveskimom posts is Skiing During Pregnancy? Yes or No? If that’s not a testament to new readers coming to explore the wonderful world of family skiing, I don’t know what is.

Thank you and if you feel like sharing why you are thankful this year, please leave a comment!

Happy Thanksgiving!