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What to Write in a Thanksgiving Card Message

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 exactly how much turkey 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 and a chance to stop taking the best things in our lives for granted. What better way to say “thank you” than with a nice Thanksgiving card message to family and friends?

Of course, it can be hard to find the words to express what so often goes unspoken. If you need a little help when crafting your personal Thanksgiving wishes, read on for a few helpful tips and message ideas for what to write in a Thanksgiving card.

Reach Out to Loved Ones

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 Thanksgiving Messages 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 Your Thanksgiving Wishes 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 are thanking them for it later.

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

Be Specific in Your Thanksgiving Message

Sometimes a quick “thanks for all you do” is fine, but when you get specific about how someone's actions have made a difference, whether big or small, it makes the moment more meaningful 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 …

Try One of These Happy Thanksgiving Phrases & Quotes

If you’re looking to add an extra serving of gratitude to your cards, Thanksgiving quotes and phrases are sure to bring a smile to their face — or even tickle their funny bone!

  • Count your blessings
  • Eat, drink and be thankful
  • Gobble till you wobble
  • Keep calm and gobble on
  • Good food, good company, great thanks
  • Pumpkin kisses and harvest wishes
  • “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” — Willie Nelson
  • “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
  • “Thanksgiving dinners take 18 hours to prepare. They are consumed in 12 minutes. Halftimes take 12 minutes. This is not coincidence.” — Erma Bombeck
  • “I haven't even finished eating all of my Halloween candy!” — Sally Brown, “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”
  • “Thanksgiving, the day where there’s never enough food. You can’t just have a turkey. No, there has to be a roast beef or a ham too. Or both. It’s the only day we have mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes.” — Lewis Black

Add Some Humor to Your Happy Thanksgiving Messages

Thanksgiving is full of reasons to share a laugh — whether it’s recipe disasters, family feuds, football rivalries or post-feast naps. So, if you like your holidays stuffed with a bit of laughter, here are a few greetings you could add to your Thanksgiving cards!

  • Hope your day is brimming with happiness!
  • Have a delicious Thanksgiving ... oh, and save a plate for me!
  • Whether you’re traveling, cooking, baking or just sitting down to gobble some good grub with your favorite folks, I hope your holiday plans are as easy as pie!
  • Today we eat. Tomorrow, we recover! Happy Thanksgiving!
  • Thank-FULL. Wishing you an overabundance of happiness and good food.
  • Canned cranberries vs. fresh cranberries: the ultimate Thanksgiving controversy! It’s a battle of tradition versus texture — who will reign supreme on your holiday table?
  • Pulling apart the turkey wishbone; where family feuds turn into friendly wishes — just remember, no wishing for a bigger slice of pie!
  • Being a vegetarian at Thanksgiving is like playing hide-and-seek — everyone else is feasting, and you’re just trying to find the veggie platter (or tofu turkey, if you’re lucky)!

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Celebrate Thanksgiving with American Greetings assortment of ecards, Creatacards and SmashUps™! You can easily personalize any card with your own Happy Thanksgiving message — we hope we’ve given you plenty of Turkey Day inspiration! Whether you want to send a heartfelt note or a clever quip, we’ve got you covered. Start your free trial membership today to send unlimited cards and enjoy great benefits!