How To Write A Heartfelt Thanksgiving Email (With Examples) (2023)

It’s nearly time for Thanksgiving – which means gatherings with family and friends, big meals, and even bigger deals.

The time around what’s lovingly known as Turkey Day is now synonymous with once-a-year sales, the retail industry and ecommerce. Which means you can use this time to craft truly thoughtful and warm Thanksgiving emails for your audience – it’s practically expected these days.

Briefly about Thanksgiving 2023

Each year, Thanksgiving changes from what we’re used to. And for a few years now, consumers have been experiencing financial strain,causing them to rethink their holiday spending.

In fact, to save money last year, 1 in 4 Americans were planning to pass on Thanksgiving altogether, and 88% were planning to cut at least one dish from their table, a study found.

Consequently, this year, you’ll want to be especially thoughtful when crafting your Thanksgiving emails.

Inviting your audience to go on a shopping spree may seem insensitive and could harm your brand image. Instead, it’s a great time to steer your communications toward how your customers can really save some money this year.

With that said, let’s move on to the main part of this article, which is how to send a happy Thanksgiving email to various audiences – your family, friends, partner, coworkers, boss, customers, and newsletter subscribers.

Before we dive in, let’s emphasize that no matter who you’re sending your Thanksgiving email to, there’s one part that will stay the same: a message of appreciation.

Without further ado, here’s how to write a truly heartwarming Thanksgiving email for different categories of your audience and situations.

Table Of Contents

  • Briefly about Thanksgiving 2023
    • 1. “Happy Thanksgiving” for your customers (or clients)
      • 2. “Happy Thanksgiving” for immediate family members
        • 3. “Happy Thanksgiving” for close friends
          • 4. “Happy Thanksgiving” for your coworkers
            • 5. “Happy Thanksgiving” email for your boss
              • 6. “Happy Thanksgiving” for your newsletter subscribers
                • 7. “Happy Thanksgiving” for your partner
                  • Are you ready to write the ultimate Thanksgiving email?

                    Did you know? Saying thanks to your customers via email has never been easier. With GetResponse Email Creator you can create stunning email campaigns in no time at all. Just pick a ready-made email template (like the one below), customize it to your liking, and send it away! Oh, and did I mention that you can start completely free with the GetResponse Free Forever plan? Go ahead, sign up and say thanks to your customers today!

                    How To Write A Heartfelt Thanksgiving Email (With Examples) (1)

                    SIGN UP FREE

                    1. “Happy Thanksgiving” for your customers (or clients)

                    There’s no doubt that your customers will have an overflowing inbox on Thanksgiving day.

                    Brands that have their email will be vying for attention in their inbox, sending the same Thanksgiving message. To stand out, your email marketing campaign should tick a few boxes:

                    1. A subject line that entices them to open it.
                    2. Clear messaging that you’re sending it for thanksgiving.
                    3. Mention your promotion/discount, if you’re offering it.

                    1. An enticing subject line

                    Arguably, the most important part of your Thanksgiving email campaign will be your subject line. It needs to entice your customers enough to open it.

                    For example, you can combine an offer + a fun emoji so your email stands out. Here’s one from Promo:

                    (Video) 19 Ways To Say Thank You & Show Your Appreciation - Business English

                    How To Write A Heartfelt Thanksgiving Email (With Examples) (2)

                    Notice the turkeys? 🦃

                    It’s a nice touch to grab your customers’ attention and highlight that it’s a thanksgiving email.

                    Here are more Thanksgiving email subject lines you could use:

                    • Getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner?
                    • When you wake up from your food coma: have we got a deal for you!
                    • Who’s ready for seconds? The Thanksgiving Sale starts now!
                    • Staying in or going out on Thanksgiving?
                    • Extra 10% off for early birds only! Let’s celebrate the 🦃 day!
                    • Who are you thankful for?
                    • Thankful for you: a special holiday message from the XYZ team
                    • What are YOU thankful for?
                    • 🎉 Give thanks with 30% off everything
                    • Our way of saying thank you
                    • Thanks to you, we’ve done all this!
                    • Gobble gobble! Open up for a feast of savings!
                    • A sale so good, you’ll mute the game
                    • Get these awesome recipes for #Friendsgiving

                    2. Clear messaging

                    Next, you need to write a short, sweet and persuasive message. This could include Thanksgiving greetings like:

                    • “I’m thankful to have customers like you every day, especially on Thanksgiving.”
                    • “Working with clients like you is the best part about this job. I’m counting my blessings this Thanksgiving that we get to do it!”
                    • “You aren’t just a client to me—you’re a friend who I appreciate. Happy Thanksgiving.“
                    • “Our company is blessed to call you a client and we appreciate your business. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!”

                    These short messages are to the point, yet they also convey the true meaning of Thanksgiving: appreciation. If you have regular clients, you may want to say thanks with a more expansive message.

                    Remember, your customers will have other things to do with their day (hello, pumpkin pie! 🥧 ), so don’t make it too long.

                    Sending out your email marketing campaign before your clients sit down to Thanksgiving dinner also sets your business up for another important day — Black Friday.

                    Here’s a neat example from Fracture that follows these best practices.

                    How To Write A Heartfelt Thanksgiving Email (With Examples) (3)

                    And one more, that uses user-generated content to make their message more authentic and interesting.

                    How To Write A Heartfelt Thanksgiving Email (With Examples) (4)

                    3. Mention a promotion if you’re offering one

                    If you’re running a sale that could help your audience save money,this Thanksgiving, it’s especially worth mentioning it.

                    Here’s an example of a Thanksgiving email template from Sakara:

                    How To Write A Heartfelt Thanksgiving Email (With Examples) (5)

                    We love this because it covers all the bases. It thanks farmers, chefs, team members, and customers in a personalized way with individual paragraphs.

                    Sending out a joint Thanksgiving email like this makes customers feel like they’re special and an intimate part of the company.

                    And the handwritten sign-off from the CEOs is a nice touch — it makes it even more evident that the company wants to say thanks!

                    This would also be a good place to give customers an exclusive Thanksgiving offer or promotion so they know their repeat business is appreciated.

                    Here are two examples from companies that leverage this opportunity to say thanks – and grow their business, too.

                    (Video) Inspirational Thanksgiving Quotes

                    How To Write A Heartfelt Thanksgiving Email (With Examples) (6)
                    How To Write A Heartfelt Thanksgiving Email (With Examples) (7)

                    You may also like these articles from our blog:

                    1.

                    2. Black Friday Email Campaign Tips for Ecommerce

                    3. 10 Inspiring Holiday Email Campaigns and What Makes Them So Good

                    2. “Happy Thanksgiving” for immediate family members

                    If you aren’t sharing a feast with your immediate family members, dropping an email to your loved ones on Thanksgiving day is a nice touch to show your appreciation.

                    Depending on the family member you’re emailing, you can either send:

                    1. A sincere message that shows love and warmth for the holiday season
                    2. A message with a little humor (cheesy Thanksgiving poems, anyone?)

                    Either way, your wishes should be filled with gratitude and appreciation for your loved ones.

                    1. A sincere message

                    For example, a sincere email message to a parent may look something like this:

                    How To Write A Heartfelt Thanksgiving Email (With Examples) (8)

                    The subject line clearly shows what the email is about, and the copy shows your parent how much you cherish them.

                    You can also sign off by wishing them well for the coming year if you don’t live in the same city as them, as it shows that you’ll be thinking of them after Thanksgiving, too.

                    2. A humorous message

                    If you want to send a holiday email with a bit more cheek, Thanksgiving is the perfect occasion. After all, the holiday is all about filling our bellies with food and laughter! Relay the Thanksgiving holiday theme throughout your email:

                    How To Write A Heartfelt Thanksgiving Email (With Examples) (9)

                    As this one is less serious, it’s best to send it to the inboxes of your siblings and cousins (or aunties and uncles who like a holiday laugh!)

                    3. “Happy Thanksgiving” for close friends

                    Don’t forget about your friends on Thanksgiving.

                    Although you’ll probably spend your time feasting with family, a quick email to your closest friends on the day lets them know you appreciate them. Express’ Kaisha Langton suggests adding a quote into your thanksgiving message, like this one from Henry Van Dyke:

                    “Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse”

                    Or, if your friend lives in a different postcode, you can add in a sentence like this:

                    (Video) Stop Beginning Your Speeches with Good Morning and Thank You and Start with This Instead

                    “Our homes may be far apart, but our hearts are as close as always.”

                    Like the email you send to your immediate family, this one will depend on your relationship with your friend. Don’t be afraid to inject some humor or poetry if that’s what they’re interested in.

                    And if you haven’t talked to the friend for a while, but still want to convey your appreciation, you can add in sentiments like this:

                    “There have been times when I forgot to thank you for being there for me. I take this day to tell you how special you are and how great my life has become because of you. Have a memorable Thanksgiving.”

                    Mix and match your sentiments with some heartfelt emojis so your end message looks something like this:

                    How To Write A Heartfelt Thanksgiving Email (With Examples) (10)

                    4. “Happy Thanksgiving” for your coworkers

                    You’ll want to keep your Happy Thanksgiving messages for colleagues professional but still charming.

                    Like the other examples, the email you send your coworkers depends on the relationship you have with them.

                    Is the relationship serious or funny?

                    Do you rely on back-and-forth memes to get you through the day?

                    Do they make your days at your desk bearable?

                    Think about any quirks to your relationship you can add to the email to make it more special. For example, if you’re both fond of sharing candy together in the breakroom, highlight that:

                    How To Write A Heartfelt Thanksgiving Email (With Examples) (11)

                    5. “Happy Thanksgiving” email for your boss

                    Don’t be afraid to show gratitude to your boss on Thanksgiving.

                    In fact, reaching out to them on Thanksgiving is important because, as your boss, they’re usually giving people feedback and praise. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to return the favor.

                    Unlike the email to your coworkers, a Thanksgiving message to your boss should be more formal. You can opt for a short message, like:

                    • Happy Thanksgiving! I appreciate you so much for making our office a fun, fantastic, and encouraging place to work. Have a blessed weekend with your family, filled with good food and laughter!
                    • Although you’re always thanking us for our work, it’s our turn to say thank you and Happy Thanksgiving. (Their name), we truly appreciate your support, encouragement, and guidance. You make this a blessed place to work, and your mentorship helps us become better in our roles. Happy Thanksgiving!

                    Or, if you really want to win some brownie points, you can structure a longer, more heartfelt email that highlights the great work your boss does for the company, like this:

                    How To Write A Heartfelt Thanksgiving Email (With Examples) (12)

                    6. “Happy Thanksgiving” for your newsletter subscribers

                    Even if you’re not offering any specials over Thanksgiving weekend, still send out a message to your newsletter subscribers.

                    At the very least, your subscribers will know you’re thinking about them over the holiday period. You can:

                    • Express gratitude and appreciation to loyal subscribers
                    • Re-engage inactive subscribers
                    • Hook your audience into a follow-up after Thanksgiving

                    Designmodo’s Nataly Birch says Thanksgiving is a chance for businesses to bring some holiday vibes to a contact’s inbox and missing the opportunity is an unfortunate slip.

                    (Video) 21 Examples of Heartfelt Words of Appreciation

                    She recommends not spending too much time trying to reinvent the wheel, and stick to culture and traditions instead. Her top tips are:

                    • Segmenting your audience so you reach your most engaged subscribers
                    • Using illustrations like acorns and pinecones to hammer down the Thanksgiving theme
                    • Timing the send so it doesn’t interrupt your subscribers’ celebrations

                    Here’s how the charity buildOn helps spread Thanksgiving cheer with their subscribers:

                    How To Write A Heartfelt Thanksgiving Email (With Examples) (13)

                    Not only does the email share how thankful buildOn is for their subscriber’s support, but it also mentions the charity’s success. By doing so, it’s easy for the subscriber to see how they have directly helped to empower students across the globe.

                    7. “Happy Thanksgiving” for your partner

                    Wishing your partner happy Thanksgiving in an email can be a heartfelt way to set up the rest of the holiday weekend.

                    Elite Daily’s Hannah Schneider says Thanksgiving is such a busy time that finding time to share sentiments with your partner can be challenging.

                    She says that if you’re confused about what to say to your partner, start with the obvious — that you love, want, respect, and value your partner. To write a heartfelt thanksgiving email, Schneider’s advice is to:

                    • Make a list of things you appreciate about your partner. Whether it’s their talents, love of family, or their work ethic, let your partner know why you appreciate them.
                    • If you’ve got some loving pics, add them into the email. As cheesy as it is, a picture really can tell a thousand words on special holidays like Thanksgiving

                    Once you put all the pieces together, you should be left with a heartwarming email that looks something like this:

                    How To Write A Heartfelt Thanksgiving Email (With Examples) (14)

                    Read more:

                    1. 15 Great Happy New Year Emails and What Makes Them Shine

                    2. Wickedly-effective Halloween newsletter templates

                    3.

                    Are you ready to write the ultimate Thanksgiving email?

                    The secret to a successful Thanksgiving email is knowing your audience.

                    You shouldn’t be sending the same Thanksgiving email to your partner and your boss (duh!). But it’s the smaller details within an email, like highlighting a personal trait you admire or singling out loyal customers that can make all the difference.

                    But there are certain themes that should be a staple in any Thanksgiving email. Be honest, appreciative, and thankful. Oh, and a turkey emoji or two won’t hurt, either! 🦃

                    And if you’re looking for newsletter software that’ll help you say thanks to your audience the right way – go ahead and try GetResponse completely free!

                    SIGN UP FREE

                    This article was originally written in September 2020 but was updated in December 2022 for accuracy and completeness.

                    (Video) How to write an email that will always be answered! | Guy Katz | TEDxZurich

                    FAQs

                    How do you start a Thanksgiving email? ›

                    Happy Thanksgiving! Dear [Name], Since Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to say “thank you,” I want to let you know how much your guidance and support has meant to me this year. I truly appreciate how you've taken the time to invest in me, and how your encouragement has helped me grow into my new role.

                    How do you wish someone a happy Thanksgiving professionally? ›

                    Thanksgiving Wishes Messages for Colleagues or Boss

                    You are wonderful, and I hope you have a great holiday with the people in your life who matter most. Thank you for bringing your positive attitude to work every day. I hope you have an enjoyable Thanksgiving with your loved ones!

                    What do you write in an email for Thanksgiving? ›

                    May your Thanksgiving and year bring abundance and joy. We hope Thanksgiving brings you reasons to be grateful, as so many are so grateful for you. May your blessings be multiplied this year and throughout your life. Wishing you a harvest of blessings, good health, and good times.

                    How do you express Thanksgiving thankfulness? ›

                    A few ideas include the following:
                    1. Write a thank you note, send a text or email to others expressing why you are grateful and specifically how you benefited or what was meaningful to you.
                    2. Tell someone when you appreciate them – not only for the big things but for small things too.
                    3. Be specific in your gratitude.
                    Oct 28, 2021

                    How do you write an appreciation message? ›

                    I'm deeply grateful not only for you covering my workload while I was away but also for the times you checked in on me. Knowing you had my back allowed me to focus on my family's needs, which is a kindness I'll never forget. I appreciate everything you've done more than you'll ever know.

                    How do you write Thanksgiving gratitude? ›

                    Thanksgiving Wishes to Express Gratitude

                    I am incredibly grateful you're in my life. Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you know how filled with gratitude I am for your presence in my life. You're the best friend/family member/in-law I could have asked for, and I'm so thankful for you.

                    What are some short inspirational Thanksgiving quotes? ›

                    "Thanksgiving is a joyous invitation to shower the world with love and gratitude." "We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count." "I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new." "Forever on Thanksgiving, the heart will find the pathway home."

                    What are some words to describe Thanksgiving? ›

                    Synonyms of thanksgiving
                    • gratitude.
                    • thankfulness.
                    • gratefulness.
                    • appreciation.
                    • thanks.
                    • appreciativeness.
                    • indebtedness.
                    • gratification.

                    How do I express immense gratitude in email? ›

                    Be sure to take the time to relay your gratitude.
                    1. I appreciate your help.
                    2. I am grateful for your help.
                    3. I am so very grateful for your time.
                    4. I greatly appreciate your help.
                    5. Thank you for such a wonderful contribution.
                    6. Thank you for taking the time.
                    7. Thank you for taking the trouble to help me.
                    8. Thank you for all the help!
                    Dec 22, 2022

                    How do you write a nice thank you email? ›

                    How to Write a Thank You Email
                    1. Address the email to the person who interviewed you and make sure you spell their name correctly. ...
                    2. Thank the person for their time and consideration.
                    3. Briefly highlight your draw to the organization. ...
                    4. Express your continued interest in the job opportunity.
                    5. Offer to answer any questions.
                    Nov 30, 2022

                    What is an example of Thanksgiving message to employees? ›

                    During this holiday season, we want to express our gratitude for your generosity, willingness, and consistent efforts to ensure that our company achieves great heights. You've certainly set high standards for any of our future employees. We wish that your friends, family, and you experience good health and fortune.

                    What is a good sentence for appreciation? ›

                    She's shown little appreciation for the effort you've made. I'm not sure you have an appreciation of the complexity of the situation. I've gained an appreciation for the skills involved in the game.

                    What are the best appreciation words? ›

                    When you're feeling a deep appreciation for those who have made a difference in your life, use these phrases to show your gratitude:
                    • I appreciate you!
                    • You are the best.
                    • I appreciate your help so much.
                    • I'm grateful to you.
                    • I wanted to thank you for your help.
                    • I value the help you've given me.
                    Dec 12, 2022

                    How do you write a letter of gratitude example? ›

                    How to write a letter of gratitude
                    1. Add contact details and date. ...
                    2. Add a warm salutation.
                    3. Summarise why you're grateful for your recipient. ...
                    4. Mention specific details about the recipient and their impact. ...
                    5. Conclude with an expression of gratitude. ...
                    6. Focus on your recipient. ...
                    7. Be specific. ...
                    8. Tell your perspective.
                    Dec 27, 2022

                    What is the simplest way of expressing gratitude? ›

                    Say: "It was really kind of you to…," "It really helped me out when you…," "You did me a big favor when…," "Thank you for listening when…," "I really appreciated it when you taught me…," or "Thank you for being there when…." You also can write your gratitude in a letter. Express gratitude by doing a kindness.

                    How do you write a gratitude list example? ›

                    Gratitude Journal Examples
                    1. I'm grateful for my morning cup of coffee. I feel calm and stable when holding my morning coffee in my hands. ...
                    2. I'm grateful for my family and loved ones. My mom called today to tell me she loved me and asked how I was doing. ...
                    3. I'm grateful to live in a fun city.

                    How do you say thank you without sounding cheesy? ›

                    Therefore, let's learn the following ways to say 'thank you'!
                    1. Thanks a million/ Thanks a bunch. Thanks a million, you have helped me so much!
                    2. I really appreciate it. ...
                    3. That means a lot to me. ...
                    4. That's really kind of you. ...
                    5. I don't know what to say. ...
                    6. You shouldn't have. ...
                    7. I owe you one. ...
                    8. I couldn't have done it without you.
                    Nov 23, 2020

                    What is a godly quote for Thanksgiving? ›

                    "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."

                    What are 5 words for Thanksgiving? ›

                    List of Thanksgiving Words:
                    PiePumpkin
                    Apple PieCandy
                    CalendarBlessing
                    DinnerGratitude
                    GreetingsPrayer
                    15 more rows

                    What is Thanksgiving short summary? ›

                    Thanksgiving Day, annual national holiday in the United States and Canada celebrating the harvest and other blessings of the past year. Americans generally believe that their Thanksgiving is modeled on a 1621 harvest feast shared by the English colonists (Pilgrims) of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people.

                    How do you start an email for the holidays? ›

                    A simple greeting like, 'Season's Greetings,' or 'Happy Holidays," is appropriate, followed by, 'I hope the season is treating you well. I wanted to thank you for your business this year and wish you and your team a Happy New Year. ' A sign-off of, 'Regards' or 'Best wishes,' is inclusive and business-friendly.

                    How do you start an email with Happy Holidays? ›

                    I wish you happy holidays and New Year!” “I send you warmest greetings, full of best wishes for you and your family! May the holiday season bring you and your family health, love, prosperity, and peace! Wish you a bright and merry holiday season/Christmas and New Year!”

                    How do you start an official email greeting? ›

                    Greetings for cold emails
                    1. "Dear Sir/Madam"
                    2. "To [title/designation]"
                    3. "To whom it may concern"
                    4. "Dear Mr/Ms"
                    5. "Dear [first name]"
                    6. "Hi, [first name]"
                    7. "Hello/Hello, [name]"
                    8. "Greetings"
                    Jul 21, 2022

                    How do you start an email in festive season? ›

                    Here are a few example subject lines for holiday emails:
                    1. Sending You Warm Holiday Wishes.
                    2. Wishing You a Wonderful Holiday Season.
                    3. Season's Greetings From Our Company.
                    4. Wishing You the Best This Season.
                    Jan 31, 2023

                    What is a good holiday message? ›

                    Wishing you holidays filled with fun and laughter. Here's to a prosperous new year. Sending you and your loved ones my warmest regards full of peace, health, happiness, and prosperity in the coming year. May your holiday celebrations sparkle with precious moments of laughter, love, and goodwill.

                    How do you end an email with happy holidays? ›

                    For most people living in the US, a 'Happy holiday' greeting will suffice. But if you want to get more specific you can end your email with the actual holiday name, e.g. 'Happy Hanukkah' or 'Happy New Year'.

                    How do you write happy holidays in a sentence? ›

                    So, capitalizing it is common practice and is acceptable even when it's part of a sentence, as in “Happy Holidays to you and your family.” Outside of this use, lowercase “holidays,” as in “I hope you enjoy the holidays.”

                    How do I write a happy holiday email to my boss? ›

                    Happy holidays! Your vision and leadership are invaluable. Wishing you a holiday season full of joy and happiness! You are the rare boss, who is both a great leader and a great friend.

                    What is a good opening sentence for an email? ›

                    Good morning/afternoon/evening. I hope your week started well. Thank you for the timely response. I'd be eager to get your advice on...

                    What is the best greeting sentence to start an email? ›

                    "Dear [first name]" "I hope this email finds you well" "Hello or hi" "Hope you're having a great week"

                    How do you write a compliment of the season? ›

                    Compliments of the Season and best wishes for the New Year! Wishing you a joyous Holiday season and a happy and peaceful New Year. Happy Holidays and best wishes for the New Year! May the peace and joy of the Holidays be with you today and throughout the New Year.

                    What are examples of season greetings corporate? ›

                    Season's Greetings / Here's to a cheerful holiday and a fresh 2023. / Warmest wishes, [company name] Cheers to the New Year / Best wishes for a wonderful holiday and a happy 2023. Sending thanks this holiday season (and always) / Your friends at [company name]

                    Videos

                    1. The Power of Gratitude - Inspirational Video
                    (Eddie Pinero)
                    2. Speakers' Tips - Giving a Vote of Thanks
                    (NAFAS)
                    3. A Moving Story About Gratitude
                    (Meir Kay)
                    4. How to Write a Friendly Letter
                    (USPS TV)
                    5. How To Thank God "Even Though" | Pastor Steven Furtick
                    (Steven Furtick)
                    6. Matthew McConaughey winning Best Actor | 86th Oscars (2014)
                    (Oscars)

                    References

                    Top Articles
                    Latest Posts
                    Article information

                    Author: Msgr. Refugio Daniel

                    Last Updated: 05/12/2023

                    Views: 6092

                    Rating: 4.3 / 5 (54 voted)

                    Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

                    Author information

                    Name: Msgr. Refugio Daniel

                    Birthday: 1999-09-15

                    Address: 8416 Beatty Center, Derekfort, VA 72092-0500

                    Phone: +6838967160603

                    Job: Mining Executive

                    Hobby: Woodworking, Knitting, Fishing, Coffee roasting, Kayaking, Horseback riding, Kite flying

                    Introduction: My name is Msgr. Refugio Daniel, I am a fine, precious, encouraging, calm, glamorous, vivacious, friendly person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.