As technology develops into every aspect of our lives, our forms of gratitude have changed. Taking their place in addressing one another with handwritten correspondences and face-to-face gifts of appreciation, electronic platforms, like email, are increasingly central to sharing and giving thanks. Some would say it isn’t as personal as a handwritten note to send a Thanksgiving email, but others would consider it a time-saving and environmentally friendly solution without sacrificing the opportunity to actually be thankful. In this article, we’ll show you how to compose an inspirational Thanksgiving email so you can connect with family, coworkers, and friends this holiday season.
Step 1: Identify Your Recipients:
Before you start sending out your personalized Thanksgiving email, think about who you’re sending it to. Consider the people that have impacted you this year: friends, family members, and co-workers. You might also want to include partners, coaches, or anyone who has inspired or encouraged you in difficult times. To ensure your email is viewed and received appropriately, list down the list of individuals who are likely to answer your email in a positive manner.
Step 2: Select the Correct Tone:
Perhaps the most important part of an eloquent Thanksgiving email is choosing the right tone. While it is important to say thank you with everything in your heart, try not to be too emotional or sentimental or the words may feel fake or awkward. Instead, pick a hospitable, inviting tone that conveys a real respect for the person receiving it and the connection you have.
Step 3: Introduction: Begin With A Smile:
Use a pleasant and welcoming message in your email to introduce yourself. Don’t go with impersonal and corporate salutations like “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom it May Concern.” Rather, say the name of the person you are greeting, followed by something like:
“Hello, [Recipient’s Name]!”
“Hi, [Recipient’s Name]!”
“Dear [Recipient’s Name],”
Step 4: Express Your Gratitude:
Once you have given them a welcoming hand, get to work on gratifying them. Do not argue or hide your gratitude in small talk. Give them specific, sincere and personal thanks. Here are a few examples of gratitude-worthy gifts:
“I just wanted to take the time to thank you guys so much for [your] support/benevolence/support] this year. I know your [thing or thing] has touched my life in the best way and I am grateful for everything you’ve done.
“During this Thanksgiving celebration I am thinking about the goodness of my life, and you are at the very top of that list! I am lucky to have you as a friend and grateful for your [benevolence/friendship/counselorship].”
“This Thanksgiving, I’d like to say thank you so much for everything you do to make my life easier and better. I appreciate your kindness, whether it’s [activity or behavior] or just being there to listen.
Step 5: Post a Memorable Thanksgiving Story (Optional):
Including an ephemeral Thanksgiving memory in your email for gratitude will make it easier to reaffirm your love for the recipient and add a bit of warmth and nostalgia to your message. Tell a story about the recipient that describes something about you that’s close to the recipient’s heart — a holiday tradition, or a special event. Make sure the memory is good, uplifting, and relevant to your relationship. A few examples include:
‘I recollect the last Thanksgiving we were together at your parents’ farm, where we played board games and ate your grandma’s pecan pie. I will never forget that day and the memories we made.
“Thanksgiving dinner at my first apartment, in which we packed eight people on a four-person table, is going to be the best holiday I ever remember. I can’t tell you how great you are at making even the most intimate event feel like a birthday party”.
Step 6: Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving:
Following your thank you and sharing a memory (optional), close the email with a heartfelt, authentic Happy Thanksgiving. Try to make seasonal touches to your wish – abundant harvests, full hearts, cozy celebrations, etc., for example:
“Merry Thanksgiving to you and yours, full of joy, laughter, and food!”
“Put your love, gratitude, and memories of your family and friends on the Thanksgiving table. I wish you a Very Happy Thanksgiving!
“On this day of thanks, I wish you all the happiness and laughter and heart that you can carry with you while you gather with the ones who matter most to you. Happy Thanksgiving!”
Step 7: Use a Professional Closing:
However casual the email is, you still need to use a professional closing to make sure that what you have written is received and valued. Never use overly hospitable sign-offs (such as “Cheers” or “Take care”) that seem insincere and rush. Rather, choose a more formal bow, such as one of the following:
“Best regards,”
“Sincerely,”
“Warmest wishes,”
Conclusion:
When you send a personalized Thanksgiving email, you’ll be able to spend time with family, co-workers, and friends on this holiday without actually being physically close. Following the above steps can allow you to create a sentimental, thoughtful note showing that you appreciate the person and the relationship you share with them. Giving thanks online does not need to be more or less gratifying and heartfelt, it only needs to be thoughtful, polite and genuinely want to reach out to those we cherish.
