12 heartfelt Thanksgiving greetings to show your gratitude
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
Gratitude may be the reason for the season, but that doesn't mean it's always easy to express. Explore 12 Thanksgiving greetings that will help you share your appreciation.
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on everything—and everyone—you’re thankful for, but expressing those feelings, especially to the people who matter most, isn’t always easy.
You might struggle to find the right words to tell your family or friends just how much you care, or maybe you’re not sure what’s appropriate to say to your colleagues or business partner. You’re bound to brighten someone’s day no matter what you say, but it can be helpful to have a few suggestions on hand.
This guide will help you craft meaningful Thanksgiving greetings for every important person in your life. From warm and sentimental messages to professional and appreciative ones, we can help you find the perfect words to share gratitude and reflect on your connections.
Thanksgiving greetings for all the special people in your life
You may associate Thanksgiving with turkey and all the trimmings — but it’s really time to celebrate the people you love. Whether it’s your family, lifelong friends, or the colleagues you see every day, Thanksgiving is a perfect excuse to tell them how much you care.
A heartfelt message doesn’t have to be complicated. A few sincere words can go a long way! Whether you’re writing a card, sending a text, or sharing your thoughts in person, taking the time to say something meaningful shows you care.
Here’s how you can share thoughtful greetings and make everyone in your life feel truly special this holiday season.
Heartfelt greetings for family
For many people, Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family, making it the perfect time to let them know how much they mean to you. Family often gives us our strongest foundation — offering love, support, and shared traditions that make life richer. A quick text or call can go a long way in showing your gratitude, and you might consider saying something like:
1. “Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and all our favorite traditions. I’m so thankful for the memories we’ve made together.”
2. “This Thanksgiving, I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful family. Thank you for being my rock through all the ups and downs.”
3. “Happy Thanksgiving! I’m grateful every day that you’re my family.”
Tips for making your messages even more personal
Include a shared memory: Mention something specific that connects you to the recipient. For example, “I’ll never forget last year’s Thanksgiving dinner when we all laughed until we cried. Here’s to making more memories like that!”
Focus on their unique qualities: Highlight what you admire about them. You might say, “Your kindness and generosity inspire me every day, and I’m so thankful to have you in my life.”
Express anticipation for the future: If you’re celebrating together, add a line about how much you’re looking forward to it, such as, “I can’t wait to see you and enjoy Mom’s famous pumpkin pie together!”
Grateful greetings for friends
Friends are the family we choose, and Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to let them know how much they mean to you. Whether it’s the friend who always knows how to make you laugh, the one who listens when you need to talk, or the group that feels like home, these connections deserve to be celebrated.
4. “Happy Thanksgiving! Your friendship means the world to me. Thank you for bringing so much joy into my life.”
5. “Here’s to great friends, good food, and gratitude. I’m so thankful for the laughs and support you’ve shared with me this year.”
6. “Wishing you a Thanksgiving as amazing as you are. Thank you for always being there and making life so much better.”
Tips to make your messages more personal
Acknowledge their impact on your life: Mention specific ways they’ve helped or supported you. For example, “I’ll always be grateful for the time you helped me through a rough patch. Your kindness made all the difference.”
Celebrate shared moments: Bring up a memory that captures the essence of your friendship. For example, “I’m so thankful for our road trip this year — it was one of the best vacations of my life!”
Show excitement for future plans: If you have plans to celebrate together or see each other soon, include that in your message. For example, “I can’t wait to watch the Thanksgiving parade with you this year — it’s my favorite tradition!”
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Appreciative greetings for colleagues
Your colleagues play an important role in your daily life. Whether it’s collaborating on projects, sharing laughs during lunch breaks, or supporting each other through challenges, the relationships you build at work can make your life much more rewarding.
Expressing appreciation to colleagues doesn’t have to be complicated — and if done well, it can foster a more collaborative work environment. (In the meantime, here are 13 tips for effective communication at work.)
7. “Happy Thanksgiving! I’m so grateful to work alongside you. Your dedication and positivity make a difference every day.”
8. “Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful Thanksgiving. I’m thankful for your hard work and the kindness you bring to the workplace.”
9. “I truly appreciate everything you do and the impact you have on our team. Have a great (and relaxing) Thanksgiving!”
Tips to make your messages more personal
Acknowledge specific contributions: Highlight something they’ve done that stood out to you. For example, “Your leadership on our last project really inspired me. I’m grateful to have you as a colleague.”
Reflect on shared experiences: If you’ve had a particularly positive moment working together, bring it up. You could say, “I’ll always remember how we pulled together for the big presentation last month — it was such a team effort!”
Use a friendly, conversational tone: While professionalism is important, don’t be afraid to let your personality show. For example, “Hope you get to kick back and relax this Thanksgiving — you’ve earned it after all the hard work this year!” And if you work with a distributed team, try putting something cheerful in a group email or on Slack or Teams to build camaraderie.
Thanksgiving greetings for clients
You’re probably thankful for your career, and if you provide a service of any kind, your clients are a big part of that. A thoughtful Thanksgiving message can show your appreciation, set the tone for a continued relationship, and acknowledge the role they play in your success. Plus, when you take the time to say “thank you,” you’re building goodwill, deepening trust, and showing that they matter beyond their business.
10. “Happy Thanksgiving! We are truly grateful for your trust and partnership. Working with you has been a pleasure, and we wish you a season filled with happiness and success.”
11. “As we reflect on the past year, we’re reminded how fortunate we are to work with incredible clients like you. Thank you for your support, and we wish you a happy Thanksgiving!”
12. “Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving! We deeply appreciate your business and look forward to continuing our partnership in the year ahead.”
Tips for personalizing your messages
Mention specific successes or collaborations: For example, “Your trust during our product launch earlier this year meant so much to us. Thank you for helping us achieve that milestone!”
Express excitement about future opportunities: Share your enthusiasm for continuing the relationship. You could say, “We’re excited to see what we can achieve together in the coming year!”
Incorporate a small token of appreciation: If appropriate, consider pairing your message with a thoughtful gift, such as a branded item, a box of treats, or a donation made in their name to a charitable cause.
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Thanksgiving greetings FAQs
What can you say other than “Happy Thanksgiving”?
“Happy Thanksgiving” is a classic greeting, but if you want to make your message more personal, you have plenty of options. You might say, “Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories,” or “I hope you have a great holiday — and a few slices of pie.”
For someone you’re especially thankful for, you can go a step further by expressing how much they mean to you, maybe including some specific details or examples. The key is to speak from the heart.
How can I personalize Thanksgiving messages for different recipients?
Personalizing your message starts with thinking about your relationship with the person. For family, consider mentioning shared traditions or memories that make Thanksgiving special for you. For example, you could write, “I’ll always remember how we all used to watch football together before gathering around grandma’s table.” Acknowledging shared experiences shows how much you value the bond you have with them.
For friends, focus on the qualities that make your friendship unique. A message like, “Your kindness and sense of humor have made this year so much better — thank you for being such a wonderful friend” can brighten their day.
When it comes to colleagues, a professional yet warm approach works best. Mention how much you value their hard work, teamwork, or support, like, “Your dedication and positivity inspire me every day. I’m so grateful to have you as a colleague.”
What are appropriate Thanksgiving greetings for clients or business partners?
When crafting Thanksgiving messages for clients or business partners, it’s important to strike the right balance between professional and personal. The tone should reflect gratitude for their trust and collaboration while maintaining a polished and respectful vibe. For example, a message like, “We’re deeply thankful for your continued support and trust in us. Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving,” conveys both professionalism and warmth.
If you’ve worked closely on a specific project or achieved significant milestones together, mentioning those can add a thoughtful touch. For instance, “This year, your partnership helped us achieve some truly amazing things, and we’re so grateful for your contributions. Here’s to more success in the coming year!” This approach not only expresses thanks but also highlights the value of your ongoing relationship.
How can I incorporate gratitude practices into my Thanksgiving celebrations?
One simple way to incorporate gratitude practices into your Thanksgiving celebration is to go around the table and ask everyone to share what they’re grateful for.
You can also write thank you notes to people who have made an impact on your year. These don’t have to be lengthy — even a few sentences can make someone feel appreciated. If you’re celebrating with family or friends, consider surprising them with a small note expressing why you’re thankful for them.
You might also consider giving back to your community, which can be incredibly fulfilling. Volunteering at a local shelter, donating to a food bank, or helping a neighbor in need are all ways to show gratitude through action. These practices not only enhance your Thanksgiving but also leave a positive impact on those around you. To cultivate a stronger sense of gratitude, try these eight tips.
What are some creative ideas for Thanksgiving cards?
Thanksgiving cards are a thoughtful way to share your gratitude, and adding a creative touch makes them even more special. One idea is to include a photo — this could be a family picture, a snapshot of your team at work, or even an image of a past Thanksgiving celebration. Photos instantly make a card feel more personal and nostalgic.
You could also include a short, heartfelt message or even a simple poem about gratitude and the season. If you enjoy crafting, consider making a DIY card with autumnal designs like leaves, pumpkins, or warm color palettes. Adding small details like handwritten notes or a ribbon tie are nice too.
For digital cards, don’t be afraid to use design tools or templates to create something unique. A thoughtful e-card can still feel personal if you take the time to craft a meaningful message. What matters most is the care and effort you put into creating and sending it.
Thanksgiving greetings are about more than just words — they’re a way to connect, show gratitude, and spread warmth during this time of year. By tailoring your messages and including a personal touch, you’ll make each greeting that much more meaningful.
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