Thanksgiving Wishes: Why and How to Send Thanks at Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving wishes: why (and how) to send thanks at Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is about much more than just giving thanks: It’s about becoming more mindful of the bounty of blessings that life offers. We all have a lot to be thankful for. Above all, we have each other to be thankful for. So this Thanksgiving, take a moment to give thanks in the most meaningful way possible—by sharing your thanks with the people you love.

Not sure where to start? These helpful ideas and writing tips will help you get in the gratitude groove.

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Get thankful!  

Before you can share it, you need to feel it. So find yourself a piece of paper, a pen and a few quiet minutes. Now, what are you grateful for? The person you’ve turned out to be? The roof over your head? The people in the next room? Write down everything you can think of, starting with yourself and your immediate surroundings, then moving outwards toward the big things in life, like your faith, community, country and even our little planet. This exercise will do more than just put you in a good mood; it will give you a place to start as you set out to share your gratitude.

Ask yourself who needs to hear it  

Your favorite people, whether they’re far away or right next to you, need to know that you’re grateful for them. Make a list of those people. It might not be as long as your Christmas card list, but being inclusive is a good thing. Then, next to each name, write something about that person that you’re thankful for. Now you’ve got a Thanksgiving card list.

Get ready to write  

Thanksgiving wishes don’t have to be long. A few simple words can go a long way toward putting someone in a thankful mood. Read over the two lists you just made, set them down next to your stack of Thanksgiving cards, pick up your favorite pen and get ready to share some gratitude.

Start with your relationship  

Your most important goal is to let your recipient know how thankful you are for him or her, so do that right away. Try one of these complimentary openers:

  • “Having a friend [or sister, dad, etc.] like you gives me one more reason to be thankful.”
  • “At Thanksgiving and always, what a blessing you are.”
  • “You don’t know the difference that having a friend like you makes. Thank you so much!”

Writing tip: There are lots of ways to say thank you without saying “thank you.” Consider expressing your gratitude with one of these lead-ins or something similar: I appreciate your…, I’ll always be grateful for…, So blessed by…, I feel so lucky to have…, With love and appreciation for…, How grateful we are for…, You are a blessing because….

Find common ground  

Then, ask yourself if you and the recipient of your card share something to be thankful for. If so, speak to it:

  • “I’m so grateful we share such an amazing group of friends.”
  • “So glad we’re family…and so grateful for all the great memories we share.”
  • “I love working at a place where I have fantastic co-workers like you.”

Share some smiles  

Depending on the nature of your relationship, you may want to share your gratitude with a side of laughter. Here are a few laugh-inducing lead-ins:

  • “When it comes to thankfulness…we’re full of it!”
  • “I am completely stuffed with gratitude. And pie. But mostly gratitude.”
  • “We may not have it all together this time of year, but we have great people like you in our lives, and to us, that means we have it all!”
  • “Happy Turkey Day!”

Keep it simple  

You can’t go wrong with short and sweet. Here are a few simple note-starters:

  • “I am so thankful for…”
  • “It’s friends like you that…”
  • “The only thing better than turkey and pumpkin pie is…”
  • “When I think of the gifts in my life…”
  • “The guys have football, but we have…”
  • “It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without…”

Add a warm closing  

A warm closing before your signature is like the bow on top! Choose one of ours, or come up with one of your own.

  • Love,
  • With love,
  • Lots of love,
  • Love always,
  • Much love to you,
  • With love and thanks,
  • With love and gratitude,
  • Warmly,
  • Warmest wishes,
  • Warmest thanks,
  • Beyond grateful,
  • Gratefully,
  • Blessings,
  • Thanksgiving blessings,
  • God bless,
  • God bless you now and always,