What to Write in a Thanksgiving Card

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 showing gratitude and acknowledging the people who make a difference to us every day. One way you can show your appreciation is by sending a happy Thanksgiving message to loved ones, especially to those whom you may not get a chance to see.

Of course, it can be hard to find the words to express what so often goes unspoken. Need some help with what to write in a Thanksgiving card? Below, we’ve outlined a few helpful tips and ideas to help craft your Thanksgiving wishes for cards.

Reach Out to Loved Ones

Take advantage of the opportunity to re-establish and strengthen connections in your Thanksgiving Day greetings. 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 Day 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 Happy 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 Thanksgiving Sayings for Cards

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.

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 funny Thanksgiving sayings for 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)!

Share Thanksgiving Day Messages of Faith

When you want to send Thanksgiving wishes that come from a place of faith and gratitude, sometimes finding the right words can feel overwhelming. Simply thanking God for His blessings or sharing a meaningful passage is all you need.

May God's abundant blessings overflow in your heart this Thanksgiving.
From His table to ours, may your Thanksgiving be filled with the kind of joy that only comes from above.
As I think God for all that I have, I include you as one of my many blessings.
Today I'm thanking the Lord for answered prayers, second helpings and the gift of your friendship.
My thankful heart is overflowing today with appreciation for God’s greatest gifts
Grateful for God's amazing grace and the incredible blessing of knowing you
My gratitude prayer list is long this year, but your name appears more times than pumpkin spice anything.
God is good, God is great, He’ll never judge all we ate!

Send Thanksgiving Day Greetings Across the Miles

Being apart from loved ones can be a struggle, especially around the holidays. Luckily, no distance is too far to send an ecard! Share your Thanksgiving greetings in a way that’s heartfelt, funny or both!

Wishing I could share more than just this card with you today—sending all my love and thankfulness across the miles.
Wish you were here to steal bites off my plate and make me laugh until my sides hurt. Next year for sure!
Saving you a plate... just kidding, I already ate your portion. But I'm thinking of you while I do it!
My thankfulness for you knows no boundaries—missing you extra today!
Sending you Thanksgiving Greetings from across the world.
You’re amazing. Even when you’re not here. Happy Thanksgiving!
Though we're celebrating apart, you're woven into every blessing I'm counting today
We may be far apart, but you're always close to my heart. Missing you this Thanksgiving.

Add a Warm Closing to Your Thanksgiving Card Message

The hardest part of knowing what to write in a Thanksgiving card can be the closing. We’re here to help! Here are some simple ways to wrap up your Thanksgiving message.

Love,
Love always,
With love and gratitude,
In gratitude,
Warmly,
Warmest wishes,
God bless you,
Thankfully yours,
Warmest Thanksgiving wishes,
With Thanksgiving love,

Send Thanksgiving Cards Today With a Free Trial Membership

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