By Jenny Tran
As tradition (and the mark on your calendar) goes, Thanksgiving is a day filled with promises of stuffed bellies and outrageously great deals.
But, the most important aspect of the holiday (as implied by its name) is reflecting on your gratitude—specifically your gratitude for the many people in your life. From parents to teachers to that one kid in math class, they all make great impacts on us.
Expressing your thankfulness for these people is important to letting them know just how much they matter to you. And, thankfully, there are numerous ways to do just that.
- Simply saying thank you: The two-word phrase may seem insignificant with the immense familiarity of it everywhere, but it can still hold a lot of weight. Merely uttering those words, such as to someone who has done a favor for you, can mean a lot to the other person at that moment.
- Gifts of gratitude: From small gifts to big ones to hand-made to store-bought, there are practically endless possibilities when it comes to gift-giving. Heeding the receiver’s interests when concocting the gift is definitely welcomed too! In the end, any and every gift generally carries the weight of the same message.
- Words of kindness: Simply being kind through your words is always enough. Complimenting and letting the other person know you care about them are just some examples to directly convey your thankfulness.
- Actions speak loud: Of course, as the old saying goes, actions typically speak louder than words. From even the simplest of mannerisms and body language, like smiles and hugs, to more specific acts, like doing favors for them—your actions toward other people can go a long way.
- Be there for them: Being there for other people (to certain extents) can help strengthen your relationships with them. It sends the message that you believe the other person deserves your time and efforts. Some general examples include listening to them, celebrating their achievements and encouraging their efforts.
While it is a year-long tradition to express your thankfulness, your gratitude shouldn’t be limited to Thanksgiving alone. Showing your appreciation to others should continue to be a year-long, ceaseless habit. Like now: I am grateful that you have just finished reading my article!
