How To Say Thank You During National Thank You Month

"Thank you". It’s a phrase we hear all too often, and at the same time - not often enough. You may say thank you when someone holds the door open for you, or when you’re given a gift, but how often do you stop and tell the ones you love “thank you” - “thank you for supporting me,” “thank you for being there for me” or just a simple, “thank you for being a great friend.”

This January is ‘National Thank You Month,’ an entire month dedicated to promoting kindness and appreciation throughout the world. If ‘National Thank You Month’ has encouraged you to give thanks, but you’re not sure where to start, here are a few suggestions.

Keep it short and simple.

You don’t have to list everything someone has ever done for you in order to write an impactful letter. Highlight the most important and special thing they have done for you, then say why it makes you so grateful. The whole letter can be no more than 5 sentences; just make sure your loved one knows you appreciate them.

Write it by hand.

Text messages and social media have blessed us with the ability to be in constant contact with one another, but a text message or reply on Twitter is not the most personal form of communication. Break out some stationary and write a letter by hand. Even if you are saying thank you to someone in your house, a handwritten letter shows you took the time to create something just for them.

Be sincere

It can be hard to put your thoughts and emotions onto paper, but try to be as honest and vulnerable as possible. Instead of writing, “Thank you so much for the money,” say, “Your generous gift was a warm welcome after a particularly difficult day.”

Use a formal greeting and ending.

Before you start, address the person you are writing to. Start with “Dear…” or “To…” It may seem strange if the person is a close friend or family member, but a greeting will make your letter that much more personal. You should also end with a formal, “With love…” or “Sincerely…” so people know who it’s from.

Look ahead.

If you’re writing to someone you rarely see, let them know you have been thinking of them and are excited for your next visit. Even if that is not for a few months or even years, tell them you are anxiously awaiting their arrival.

When we are grateful for other people and the blessings in our own life, we open the door to more meaningful relationships, less stress and even improve our physical health.

If you’re looking to really put your thank you note over the top, think about sending it with one of our delicious chocolate covered fruit bouquets from the thank you collection - and maybe you’ll even get a thank you note back!