Between the festivities of Halloween and Christmas, Thanksgiving can sometimes feel like an afterthought. So often, the real meaning of the holiday gets lost in the rush of cheering for football games — and the challenge to determine once and for all just exactly how much turkey (and stuffing, and gravy) a person can eat.

But Thanksgiving shouldn’t feel like an afterthought. It’s a day dedicated to acknowledging the people who make a difference to us every day. It’s a chance to stop taking the best things in our lives for granted. And what better way to say “thank you” than with a Thanksgiving card?

Of course, it can be hard to find the words to express what so often goes unspoken. If you’ve ever wanted a little help when crafting your personal message of thanks, you’re in luck! Read on for a few helpful tips and suggestions for what to write in a Thanksgiving card.

Reach out

Take advantage of the opportunity to re-establish and strengthen connections. Even a simple wish lets someone know you’re thinking about them.

• “So grateful to know someone like you.”
• “Lucky to have met you.”
• “Glad to have you in my life.”
• “So happy to call you my friend.”

Make it personal

Think of something about your intended recipient that’s unique to your relationship. What do they inspire in you that nobody else does? Use this holiday to tell someone exactly what they mean to you.

• “I don’t know who I’d be without you.”
• “You’ve changed my world for the better.”
• “I wouldn’t be the same without you.”
• “You’re such an important part of my life.”

Keep it simple

It doesn’t have to be a grandiose action to be meaningful. What seems like a small gesture can actually make someone’s day — whether it’s something someone did for you, or you thanking them for it later.

• “I bet you thought I wouldn’t notice, but I did.”
• “I can’t tell you what that means to me.”
• “People don’t say thanks enough, so I’m saying it now.”
• “I’m so grateful for what you did.”

Be specific

Sometimes it’s okay to throw a “thanks for all you do” out there, but expressing gratitude for someone’s specific actions or influence on you, no matter how big or small, will create a more memorable experience for you both.

• “I’ll always be thankful for the time…”
• “You might not remember, but I’ll never forget…”
• “I may not have thanked you at the time, but…”
• “How do I know I’ll always be grateful for you? It’s because…”

Now that you have a few tools under your belt, just remember: the most important thing when writing out your card is that it comes from your heart. If you make sure to write down why you’re thankful and what you genuinely feel for that person, you’re on the right track!

It’s one thing to feel thankful, but truly showing gratitude takes it to a whole new level! That’s why, at American Greetings, we created the #ThankList movement. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to take that extra step and publicly acknowledge the people who have made the most difference in your life and shaped you as a person.

Tell us in the comments below who your biggest motivators, inspirations, and supporters are. Who are you most grateful for in your life?

Let it inspire you to spread gratitude and appreciation throughout the year!

Kelsey Rubenking is a five-year veteran of American Greetings and comes from a long line of greeting card enthusiasts. She believes that making connections with other human beings, whether friends, family, or strangers, is the most positive and rewarding thing you can do, for yourself and for others — and how better to do it than with social expressions? This Thanksgiving, she’s grateful for love, clarity, hope, and community — especially the community that gives her a chance to share this message with you!