70 thoughtful Thanksgiving messages for loved ones and colleagues

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What better time of year to express your appreciation and gratitude for those around you than Thanksgiving Day? And for those who aren’t at the dining table to hear these words directly, you can always send thoughtful and happy Thanksgiving wishes.

This article gives you 70 thoughtful Thanksgiving messages you can share with your loved ones and people you care for.

Messages for family and friends

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather with family and friends—and to test your survival skills against traffic jams and your uncle’s political debates at the dinner table.

For those missing from the dinner table, a thoughtful message could be the perfect way to make them feel included even if they’re too busy bingeing deep-fried turkey fail videos.

We do recommend highlighting what you are thankful for and sticking to heartfelt messages such as “Wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving filled with love and laughter”. However, adding some humor to your messages doesn’t hurt, right? Especially when you’re addressing close family members and friends.

Thanksgiving message to family

So here are some messages you can share with family and friends:

  1. Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with all your favorite things—family, friends, and no traffic jams!
  2. Happy Thanksgiving! Here’s to food comas, stretchy pants, and remembering why we love being together.
  3. This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for amazing people like you… and the great food you cook!
  4. Wishing you a day full of food and gratitude. May your turkey be moist, your stuffing be plentiful, and your relatives… mostly manageable!
  5. Happy Thanksgiving! May your heart be full and your plate even fuller.
  6. Thankful for your friendship, of course, your food. Wishing you the happiest Thanksgiving!
  7. Hope your Thanksgiving is filled with laughter, love, and just the right amount of ‘interesting’ conversations at the table!
  8. Grateful for you and all the memories we share. Here’s to another Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and zero kitchen disasters!
  9. Thanksgiving greetings! May your day be filled with gratitude, your evening filled with leftovers, and your heart as full as your plate!
  10. To family, friends, and unforgettable Thanksgiving feasts. Sending you love and laughter, and I hope no one brings up politics at the table this year!
Thanksgiving message to family and friends

Professional Thanksgiving messages

While Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate family and friends, it is also an excellent opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of your colleagues. So, sending thoughtful messages and warm Thanksgiving greetings is a great way to strengthen professional relationships.

We recommend maintaining a professional tone, but a touch of warmth or light humor can make your message stand out. Here are some messages you can share in your professional circle:

  1. Happy Thanksgiving! May this holiday bring you time to unwind and enjoy the company of loved ones.
  2. Happy Thanksgiving! May your holiday be filled with joy and gratitude, and may you return refreshed and ready for a wonderful year ahead.
  3. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving! Your hard work and commitment are truly appreciated.
  4. Thank you for your dedication and teamwork. Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with joy and relaxation.
  5. I am grateful to have colleagues like you. May your Thanksgiving be abundant in good food and great memories.
  6. Thank you for being essential to our success, and wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving.
  7. Your contributions make a difference every day. Have a joyful and restful Thanksgiving!
  8. Happy Thanksgiving! May your holiday be as rewarding as your support has been to us.
  9. Warm wishes for a happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.
  10. This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for the teamwork and dedication you bring every day. Wishing you a relaxing holiday and a wonderful season ahead!
Thanksgiving message to colleagues

Messages for employees

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to express gratitude to those who contribute to our success every day—our employees. A heartfelt message can make a significant difference in an employee’s day, boosting morale and strengthening the bond between employer and employee. Here are some thoughtful Thanksgiving wishes to share with your team:

  1. Wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving! Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated. Enjoy a well-deserved break with your loved ones.
  2. Happy Thanksgiving! I am grateful for your commitment and the positive energy you bring to our team. May your holiday season be filled with joy and relaxation.
  3. This Thanksgiving, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering dedication. Your efforts significantly impact me, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
  4. Thank you for your hard work and perseverance. Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with good food, good times, and the company of family and friends.
  5. Happy Thanksgiving! Your contributions are invaluable, and I am thankful for your commitment. May your holiday be as amazing as you are.
  6. As we celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to thank you for your dedication and hard work. May your holiday season be filled with happiness and memorable moments.
  7. Wishing you a joyous Thanksgiving! Your efforts and positive attitude make our workplace a better place. Enjoy the holiday season with your loved ones.
  8. Happy Thanksgiving! I am grateful for your hard work and your positive impact on our team. May your holiday be filled with blessings and joy.
  9. This Thanksgiving, I want to express my appreciation for your dedication and commitment. Wishing you a holiday season filled with warmth and happiness.
  10. Thank you for being an essential part of our success, wishing you a bountiful Thanksgiving and a joyous holiday season ahead.

Business Thanksgiving wishes

Thanksgiving is also a good opportunity to express appreciation to valued clients and business partners for all the wonderful things they bring to the table. A thoughtful message shows you appreciate what others bring to the table and helps build a strong foundation for working together in the future. Sharing these messages can create good vibes and show how much you value the connection.

Here are some Thanksgiving messages you can send to clients and business partners:

  1. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving! We’re truly grateful for your partnership and support.
  2. May your Thanksgiving be filled with joy and gratitude. Thank you for being such an integral part of our journey.
  3. Happy Thanksgiving! Sending warm wishes and appreciation for your continued trust in us. Here’s to a season of success and good fortune!
  4. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our blessings, and your partnership is certainly one of ours. Wishing you a joyful holiday and a thriving year ahead.
  5. Grateful for the opportunity to work together. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving and a joyous holiday season filled with success.
  6. Thank you for the trust and support you’ve shown us this year. May your Thanksgiving be full of joy, peace, and optimism for the year ahead.
  7. Happy Thanksgiving! We’re grateful for the opportunity to work with you. Take [X]% off your next purchase with code GRATITUDE. Wishing you a joyous holiday season!
  8. This Thanksgiving, we’re thankful for clients like you. May your holiday season be filled with prosperity and good cheer!
  9. Our business is stronger because of your partnership. Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving and a successful year to come.
  10. Thank you for being an invaluable part of our journey. Happy Thanksgiving, and warm wishes for a joyful and fulfilling holiday season!
Thanksgiving promotional message offering a 60% discount

Thanksgiving quotes and reflections

Thanksgiving is a season that celebrates gratitude, joy, and connection. The warmth and sweetness of pumpkin pie perfectly embody the sentiments of this festive time. It’s a moment to reflect on all we are grateful for, from loved ones to the simple pleasures that bring us joy.

Here are some thoughtful quotes to capture the spirit of Thanksgiving:

  1. “Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.” – Aesop
  2. “The thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.” – Cicero
  3. “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy
  4. “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.” – Melody Beattie
  5. “Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.” – W.J. Cameron
  6. “I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.” – Henry David Thoreau
  7. “Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our Thanksgiving.” – W.T. Purkiser
  8. “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” – Oprah Winfrey
  9. “An attitude of gratitude brings great things.” – Yogi Bhajan
  10. “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust
Thanksgiving quote by W.J. Cameron

Religious Thanksgiving Messages

Thanksgiving is an amazing time to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the blessings of faith, family, and all the goodness surrounding us. Sending a faith-centered message adds a unique touch, reminding those close to us about the deeper meaning of the season and the abundant grace we have to be thankful for.

When you share these heartfelt messages, you’re not just spreading gratitude but strengthening the bonds from a shared faith.

Quote from Psalm 107:1

Here are some faith-inspired messages you can share with those who hold a special place in your life:

  1. Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving filled with gratitude to God for His abundant blessings.
  2. Happy Thanksgiving! May your day be filled with the warmth of God’s love and the joy of His presence in our lives.
  3. This Thanksgiving, let us give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. – Psalm 107:1
  4. I am thankful for God’s grace and for friends and family who bring His love into my life—wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with faith and joy.
  5. Praise God from whom all blessings flow—wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with gratitude and His everlasting love.
  6. On this Thanksgiving, may your heart be filled with peace and your spirit renewed by God’s grace.
  7. Wishing you a Thanksgiving that overflows with the joy and peace of Christ.
  8. Let us give thanks to the Lord with grateful hearts for His love and blessings. Happy Thanksgiving!
  9. May God bless your home with His love and fill your heart with Thanksgiving today and every day.
  10. Giving thanks to God for the wonderful blessing of family and friends. Wishing you a Thanksgiving rich in His grace and love.

Thanksgiving messages to send via Email

Email is a great way to reach out and share your Thanksgiving gratitude, whether it’s with family, friends, colleagues, or clients. Sending a thoughtful Thanksgiving email lets you connect and express your appreciation personally.

Here’s a simple template you can steal and modify:

Dear [Name],

As Thanksgiving approaches, I’ve been reflecting on everything I’m thankful for this year, and you are certainly among them. [In the past year/During our time together], I’ve especially appreciated [specific thing you’re grateful for about them – their support, friendship, guidance, etc.].

This season reminds us to pause and acknowledge the people who make our lives richer and more meaningful. Your [specific positive quality – kindness, wisdom, humor, etc.] has made such a difference in my life, and I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude.

[Optional: Include a specific memory or moment from the past year that meant something to you, or mention future plans]

I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with warmth, good food, and moments of joy. May this holiday season bring you as much happiness as you’ve brought to others.

[Choose one:]

With love and gratitude,

Warm regards,

Best wishes,

[Your name]

If you’re running a business and want your email to be sent in bulk to tens or hundreds of contacts, make sure to use an email marketing tool like GetResponse, which allows you to send highly personalized and professional emails like the one sent from Brandless in the image below.

Brandless personalized Thanksgiving message

For more information, make sure to read our article on how to write a Thanksgiving email.

Thanksgiving messages to send via SMS

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, and sending a quick SMS is an easy, heartfelt way to let someone know they’re appreciated. Here are some short and sweet Thanksgiving messages you can share via text to bring a smile to their day.

  1. Happy Thanksgiving! Hope your day is filled with love, laughter, and all the food you can handle!
  2. Thankful for amazing people like you. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with blessings!
  3. Happy Thanksgiving! May your heart be full, your plate fuller, and your day as wonderful as you are.
  4. Grateful for your friendship today and every day. Have a fantastic Thanksgiving!
  5. Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with joy, good food, and endless gratitude. Enjoy every minute!
  6. Happy Thanksgiving! Just a quick note to say I’m grateful for you. Hope your day is amazing!
  7. Sending love and warm Thanksgiving wishes your way! Hope your holiday is full of all the things that make you smile.
  8. Happy Thanksgiving! May today bring you joy, laughter, and a reminder of how loved you are.
  9. Grateful for you and all the memories we share. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving!
  10. Wishing you a Thanksgiving as warm and joyful as your friendship. Have a blessed day!

Tips for sending Thanksgiving messages

Sending Thanksgiving messages is a beautiful way to express your gratitude and appreciation. Here are some tips to ensure your messages are heartfelt and impactful:

  1. Be sincere and genuine: Make sure your message comes from the heart. Authenticity resonates more than anything else.
  2. Use warm and festive language: Set the tone for the holiday season with language that reflects the warmth and joy of Thanksgiving.
  3. Keep it short and sweet: While brevity is key, ensure your message conveys your gratitude and appreciation effectively.
  4. Personalize your message: Use the recipient’s name to make the message feel more special and personal.
  5. Add a personal touch: Consider including a photo, a funny anecdote, or a specific memory to make your message more memorable.
  6. Proofread carefully: Ensure your message is error-free and polished to reflect your thoughtfulness.
  7. Send it at the right time: Aim to send your message on Thanksgiving Day or the day before to make it timely and relevant.
  8. Use various channels: Reach your recipients through email, text message, or social media to make it convenient for them.
  9. Be respectful and considerate: Ensure your message is mindful of the recipient’s beliefs and traditions.
  10. Follow up: A phone call or a visit can add a personal touch and make your message even more special.

By following these tips, you can ensure your Thanksgiving messages are heartfelt, meaningful, and appreciated by all who receive them.

Sharing your Thanksgiving greetings

Sharing Thanksgiving messages is a heartfelt way to express gratitude and strengthen connections with loved ones, colleagues, and friends.

Utilizing social media, email, or text platforms allows for personalized and timely communication during the holiday season. If you want to do this professionally and in bulk, make sure to use a tool like GetResponse.

Sending a thoughtful Thanksgiving message is more than words—it’s a powerful way to show appreciation. A well-timed message honors your relationships and creates a ripple effect of gratitude, inspiring others to share their own thanks. Making this a yearly tradition can open up conversations about what matters most, bringing more meaning to the holiday and making it memorable for everyone involved.


Nael Chhaytli
Nael Chhaytli
Nael Chhaytli is a Digital Marketing Expert and a Senior Content Marketing Specialist at GetResponse with a diverse background in marketing specializations. He has used his expertise to drive success and growth for businesses in the service, SaaS, and e-commerce sectors.
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