There are certain times of the year when we stop and think about all the things that make us happy or bring us joy . Some people even make a list of these things . In English , we have a saying for this : to count your blessings . When we count our blessings , we note all the wonderful things in our lives . This helps us to appreciate how good life is . Thanksgiving is a time when many Americans count their blessings . The United States observes this holiday on the fourth Thursday in November . Counting your blessings is important . It shows that you are grateful . Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation or thanks . When people count their blessings , they can say it like this : "I am thankful for my family . I am thankful for my friends . I am thankful for my health ." It is better to be grateful for our blessings than to take them for granted . When we take something for granted , we do not appreciate it . Sometimes we are not appreciative of our good fortune and blessings until they are gone . But now , let's take a step back . What exactly is a blessing ? In English , the word “blessing ” has at least two meanings . As we said , a blessing is something that brings you happiness or helps you . To religious people , a blessing is approval and help from a higher source -- God . A blessing can also be a sign of approval . It gives you permission to do something . For example , a traditional marriage custom involves a blessing . If a young man wants to marry a young woman , he may want to first get her family's blessing . Now , when we want to show our recognition of all the little things that prove helpful , we sometimes say “give thanks for small blessings .” We often say this expression in the middle of a troubling or difficult time . So , let's say a friend of yours is angry about a flat tire on his car . But then he stops and thinks for a minute and says , “Well , at least I have a car . I should count myself lucky and give thanks for small blessings .” Now , not all blessings are simple and easy to recognize . Some are more complex than others . That brings us to the expression "mixed blessing ." A mixed blessing is something that is both good and bad . For example , being really beautiful can be a mixed blessing . On one hand , you look great and may be treated really well by some people . On the other hand , you look great and may be treated badly by other people . So , when we use this expression , we often use the terms “on one hand ” and “on the other hand .” Here is another blessing expression . It is a little more complicated : a blessing in disguise . First of all , a disguise hides something that you do not want seen or noticed . For example , a secret agent might wear a disguise to hide her identity . Or a bottle of perfume might disguise an unpleasant smell . So , a blessing in disguise is a bad event or situation . But the outcome or result is actually good . Here's how to use the expression blessing in disguise . Things are great ! For starters , I got fired last month . So , why are things great ? Getting fired is terrible . But this time it was truly a blessing in disguise . You see , after I was fired I found a new job -- a better job that I really love . And it pays more . Good for you ! I'm glad you're able to count your blessings ! Now it's time for you to "count your blessings ." What are you thankful for ?