Giving thanks isn't just a holiday tradition. It's part of how humans evolved

Science says the feeling of gratitude probably showed up early in our evolution. (Pixabay)

It’s the season of giving thanks — and it turns out humans have been doing it for a long, long time.

As more researchers dig into the science of gratitude, they’ve found the feeling likely played a key role in helping our ancestors band together and survive.

That legacy continues today, as being in the mood for gratitude shapes who we are as a species and how we connect with the people around us.