How to Write the Best Thanksgiving Message to Colleagues (2023)

We have a lot to thank our coworkers for. If you've never considered writing a heartfelt thanksgiving message to them, it can seem intimidating.

We're here to guide you through the step-by-step process of writing a thanksgiving card to your colleagues.

Thanksgiving is usually a time reserved for family and close friends, a time when you and those to whom you're closest eat, drink, and give thanks together.

However, one critical group is usually left out of the Thanksgiving celebrations: coworkers.

Your coworkers are by your side through thick and thin, helping you through projects, cheering on your successes (and picking you up during losses), and throwing you a smile and a "good morning" when you may need it the most.

Know Why You're Thankful

The holiday season can be so busy and stress-inducing that it can be hard to take the time to reflect on projects you've done and the ways your coworkers have helped you to complete them.

For this exercise, pick one coworker for whom you'd like to write a happy Thanksgiving message. Make a list of everything they've done for you, whether that's collaborating on a project, grabbing you coffee in the morning, or something much larger in scale, like recommending you for a promotion.

It'll be difficult to make them a Thanksgiving card if you're not sure what you're thankful for, so make an effort to be intentional in your warm wishes.

Think About Your Subject

Instead of thinking, "What did I achieve because of this person?" try reframing your point of view and asking, "What did this person go out of their way to do, and what skills make them unique?"

By focusing on your coworker and the actions that they've taken, you're ensuring that they'll feel special and like their efforts were seen and appreciated.

Write the Perfect Thanksgiving Message in 2023

When what you're writing comes from a place of genuine gratitude and love, the words will flow and writing will be easy. There's a lot that goes into this simple Thanksgiving message, so let's double check that you'll be ticking all the boxes.

Personalize the Message

Remembering something about your coworker is one of the best ways to put a smile on their face.

Of course, you'll want to start out with a greeting using their name. Whether you're casual with them and on a nickname basis, or more formal and leaning toward a respectful "hello," using their name is the best way to start the letter.

It's a great idea to include something that connects the two of you, like a funny or sincere anecdote from work or an inside joke. If that's not your speed, mention something they do that you appreciate and are thankful for.

Bottom line: make them feel special!

Wish Them a Happy Thanksgiving

You don’t want to get too caught up in reminiscing that you forget to mention anything about the very holiday that prompted you to write the letter in the first place! Your coworker will appreciate a sweet text from computer or a well-organized short email that you send wishing Happy Thanksgiving.

Keep It Short and Sweet

Because we're focusing on colleagues today and not our best friends, it's a good idea to keep your Thanksgiving messages on the shorter side (they'll thank you for it!).

Here are a few examples:

Other Tips on Creating the Perfect Thanksgiving Message to Colleagues

Handwrite your letter. Nothing is more personal than a handwritten note. Your coworker will appreciate the extra effort!

Send an e-card. There are plenty of cute digital cards to choose from during the holiday season, and the little animations are sure to put a smile on anyone's face.

Include emojis or images. You know what they say: a picture is worth 1000 words. It can make all the difference in bringing your letter to the next level.

While Thanksgiving dinner may be the highlight of our holiday, receiving a genuine card from a coworker will be a bright spot amongst the festivities. And sending out happy Thanksgiving messages will feel just as joyful.

Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude, spread happiness, and eat lots of pumpkin pie. During this year's Thanksgiving season, make sure those around you feel loved; it's the beginning of a great holiday season, and the positive energy is just waiting to be spread.

To all of our inspiring QuillBot writers: Happy Thanksgiving.