It’s the time of year when we’re supposed to give thanks for the important people in our lives. Lots of folks do a sort of round-robin approach during dinner, where everyone at the table offers thoughtful words of gratitude. It really puts pressure on the last person in the group, who, after hearing how much Grandpa Fred gave to the world before sacrificing himself to save the beloved goldfish from the horrible effects of an unexpected January cyclone, has nothing meaningful to add. Here are some thinking-out-of-the-box tips for others who might be worthy of that special mention.

I often think of what my life would have been like, had I lived at the turn of the 20th century. I’m not sure I would have survived without several inventions that occurred within the last 100 years. These modern advances have kept me alive and functioning, and for that, I want to express some appreciation. Schmanks to the inventor of:

Contact Lenses. Otto Wichterle. The modern contact lens was developed in 1962, but it took several years before they were widely distributed. 1900s Me would most likely have been vain enough to spur glasses as thick as the jars that held grandma’s pickled pig’s feet in the dirt cellar. Without Otto, I would have been bumping into walls, animals, and anything flammable, which was basically everything. 1900s Me would not have lived long.

Spandex.  Joseph Clois Shivers Jr. invented this wonderful cradle for misplaced fat molecules in the 1950s. Though the name only changed from “corset” to “girdle,” these restrictive garments would eventually give way to the stretchy products that currently allow us to enjoy food AND drink on the same day. Without his help, 1900s Me would be shoved into a corset, trying to function as a normal human being with half the oxygen. Less oxygen and little vision make the inventor of the next product a real miracle man.

The Flushing Toilet. Thomas Crapper, I salute thee. The exact origins of the invention are a bit murky, but he did successfully distribute the product. Can you imagine a half-blind woman in restrictive clothing (and a lot of it) trying to navigate an outhouse? 1900s Me would have had many adventurous days. I don’t need to tell you what a blessing the mass production of deodorant would have been. Edna Murphey, you’re on the list for next November.

Chocolate Chip Cookies. Thank you, thank you, Ruth Graves Wakefield and Sue Brides. Your invention was really a gateway cookie to the chocolate, chocolate chip, peanut butter chocolate chip, and the pretend-its-healthy, oatmeal chocolate chip. There are days I think, “I could’ve discovered something like that. I like to experiment in the kitchen.” The reality is that the visually impaired, oxygen-deprived  1900s Me would have created some combination of lard, mud and something sadly mistaken for currents that would have burned slowly during the inevitable oven fire. It would have been epic in all the wrong ways.

Modern Me can see clearly to execute recipes, taking indoor bathroom breaks when needed and eat the results of those recipes without fear of combustion. Lots to be thankful for.

While you are celebrating with your loved ones or having a few moments of solitude, remember those who came before you. Think about what great inventions have helped you become the person you are today and give a holiday shout out to John Crapper or Sue Brides.  Oh, and be thankful for friends and family too. They are kinda important.