When the first Pilgrims landed on the shores of America, they were poorly prepared for life in the wilderness of the North American continent. They came at a time unfavorable for surviving as a new colony.
The Pilgrims were willing to risk all to find a place where they could worship God freely according to their convictions, but they had no real idea of what the cost for such a risk involved. Only half of the original Mayflower passengers survived their first winter.
It was in the winter of 1623, during the “starving Time”, that the tradition of the five kernels of corn found its root. It was during that time that the rations for the new settlers were reduced to the barest minimum, when many of their meals consisted of this parsimonious amount of grain.
And yet they were thankful.
Without the help of the Native peoples of this new land they could not have survived. The Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared a feast after the first harvest, and that marked a common center of what was to come.
American history illustrates both the capacity we have for thankfulness and generosity, and how quickly and cruelly we can forget our debt of gratefulness. The holiday of Thanksgiving is one day of the year we are to remind ourselves of how dependent we were, and are, on God’s bounty and blessings, and the people through whom we receive kindness and support.
Much later in our history, Thanksgiving became a nationally recognized holiday whose general purpose is to give thanks for the many blessings enjoyed throughout the year.
Ideas To Cultivate Gratefulness
Try some of these ways to increase your own, and your family’s sense of thankfulness and appreciation
The corn cob, and corn kernels are an important part of the Thanksgiving history. Corn was the lifesaving grain that the Indians provided the Pilgrims both to eat and to learn to grow. A fitting table decoration for the holiday.
Ways to Show Thankfulness
Vintage Thanksgiving card
Zenhabits posted a list of practical ways to show your thankfulness to others. First on the list was “Create a ‘Gratitude Ritual'”. Simply taking the time to meditate on things you are grateful for, it is a form of “Count your many Blessings, Name them one by one”, as the old song goes. Take a look at the list, then visit the original post for details of how to incorporate each into your life.
I am a little more thankful than usual these days. The economic shifts simply highlight the fact that life is more than possessions, and makes the relationships and intangibles more clearly valuable.
Freedom From Want
Norman Rockwell painting of family Thanksgiving meal
Count Your Many Blessings
It might seem a cliché, but this truth of counting ones blessings to impress a feeling of gratefulness upon my soul has only grown stronger and deeper through the years.
In fact, in my own life I have come to see that it is a lack of gratefulness and the neglect of expressing it that underlies many of life’s problems. We forget how good we have it. We forget the sacrifices of others to bless us with plenty. We forget our peace and plenty and are in danger of losing it.
I have been cultivating this habit of expression in rebuilding relationships, but how much have I lost through the years that were bereft of sufficient amounts of showing affirmation and speaking thanks to those around me? I must release those regrets and simply turn my gaze towards the sowing of such acts today.
I have hope of a good harvest from those seeds of spoken thanks, and attitudes of gratefulness.
This Day Is Set Aside For Just Such an Expression
Part of giving thanks on Thanksgiving Day involves that act of counting our blessings. In America we have been blessed with plenty. And not least of our blessings are those very precious privileges of personal freedoms. The Pilgrims came to a new land hoping to be free to worship God according to their conscience. The America of today is a place, one of the few in the world, where that freedom is vouchsafed to every citizen.
My grandmother always said she loved to get my thank-you notes. Over the years I would sometimes receive compliments of others, as well; but my "notes" were not perfect. They were more like thank you letters, and became more and more scarce as I became busy with life.
Maybe this is your story, too.
However, I started to pay attention to the thank you notes that I appreciated getting from other people, and thought a bit about why I appreciated them so much. It changed the perspective on what makes a good thank you note and why it is a great social benefit to learn how to write them.
This is written to share some of those thoughts and observations with you. Perhaps we can revive the art of writing a real thank you note, and writing it well.
Why Write Your Thanks? - Good reasons to write a note
People like to be appreciated
It lets the giver know you received the gift
It is good manners to thank the giver
Send A Note Of Gratitude
Cute Notes Cards - Send Thanks With Pretty Stationary
"Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you'll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it." ~Ralph Marston You are more likely to write a proper thank you note if you have pretty notecards on hand. They make sending the notes you need to write a cinch. Not just because they are so cute, but because the note size is just the space you need to write the perfect thank you message: not too long, not too short, and never impersonal!
I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks.
~ William Shakespeare
Many people do draw blanks when looking at the plain white page, you are not alone. While it may take a little more time to write a thoughtful, well expressed, thank you note, it will really show your appreciation and convey your gratitude for the kindness of a gift when you take a few minutes more to write from your heart.
You don't have to be completely original, but do try to personalize your notes to people. Specify something about the service or gift you are thankful for, the way it benefits you, and maybe a little something complimentary about both the gift and the giver.
If you have a close relationship to the person, include something of your feeling for them: you appreciate their love and support, the way they knew just what to give you, or the fact that the time, gift or service was all the more appreciated because it was from them.
The key word in following all the advice is to "be personal". People appreciate that you value them, their efforts, and their gift, and that means expressing your thoughts in your own words, from the heart.
Thank You Note Advice Summary
Start with greeting the person, most people begin with "Dear" and their name and then say something personal to them, such as enjoying seeing them recently ,etc.
Say thank you for the gift you received, describe and name it in specific terms
Tell them what the gift means to you or how you use it
Express a cordial thought towards the giver, which is expressing your warm feelings for their generosity, in some personal way
Repeat your thanks
End with your favorite closing such as "Love" "Sincerely" or "Best Regards"
...and that's it! If you keep thank you notes in a short "note" form you are more likely to write them. That is all people really want anyway, just a short note of appreciation. Keep your notes short You will write thank-yous with more punctuallity, and procrastinate less.
- Like all writing, tips and prompts can make a difference
Sometimes it is hard to begin, and words can escape you. But writing well, including a finely crafted Thank You, does not have to be difficult. A guide like this one is a fount of inspiration and an etiquette resource. You don't need to be at a loss for the right words when you wish to express your gratitude in writing.
What If You Didn't Like The Gift?
Say Thanks with Love and Kindness - Even if you are a bit ambivalent about the gift
Try to be sincere, yet give the gift-giver your thankfulness for their efforts. "Thank you for your thoughtfulness." may be the best you can muster, but that is a kind expression. Take note of their time and efforts, or of the fact that they showed generosity. It is always good to note a person's thoughtfulness and generosity.
If you are an enthusiastic person, just be you, but try not to go over the top since it might sound insincere. "Words cannot convey my gratitude." ? Well, you are trying to do just that! It isn't a terrible thing to say, but choose words that match the gift. I don't think I would say "You shouldn't have" when receiving a tie, for instance.
It bears repeating: Simple, heartfelt thanks are the best ones.
Do You Write Notes Of Appreciation?
Send snail mail? It has become a rare art, but writing and receiving hard copy thanks you notes can be a much appreciated gesture. You will be surprised at the happy responses it evokes.
One of the deep secrets of life is that all that is really worth the doing is what we do for others. Lewis Carroll
My world is brighter and more beautiful because of you. Thank you.
The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.-Oscar Wilde
Thank you for coming into my life and giving me joy, thank you for loving me and receiving my love in return. Thank you for the memories I will cherish forever.- Nicholas Sparks
By the way, I’m wearing the smile that you gave me.
Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart. ~A.A. Milne
It only takes a moment to say thank you – but your thoughtfulness will be remembered a long time.
If you only knew how much those little moments with you mattered to me. Thank you.
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. ~Marcel Proust
Make it easy on yourself - Gather all your supplies together
If you struggle with procrastination, as I have, then this list is to help you overcome one barrier to writing the important notes of appreciation and gratitude to those thoughtful and kind enough to give you something. A gathering of supplies in one place is sometimes all that is needed to accomplish this task.
Be sure to have all the addresses you need.Make a list in a notebook or on a sheet or two of paper; keep the list with your cards.
A roll of special stamps.Find your own perfect stamp by going to the Zazzle site
Give a grateful note with a pretty Thank You Card
One of the joys of writing a nice than you is the choice of a pretty card. Keeping a box of artistic cards on hand makes it easy to take up your pen and give a thoughtful note of thanks.
Metropolitan Museum of Art stationary cards have always been some of my favorites for cards and notes. Beautiful fine art cards!
Great Art Appreciation
Floral Pattern - Blank Inside Thank You Cards
My own personal favorite cards, have to be the ones produced my the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Those are hard to find, but these florals in an arts & crafts style reminiscent of Morris patterns).
A number of variations are available in the assortment.
They make sending notes a joy, not to mention the way they will light up the day for those lucky enough to receive one with your personal note.
Special Cards and Postage can convey your message, too
Zazzle Thank You Stamps and Cards
Here are a number of cute Zazzle stamps. If you don't find something you like in the selection go on to Zazzle and make your own custom stamp, or choose from literally tens of thousands of stamps designed by artists on the site.
A well chosen, bright stamp is just an extra special touch. I really like the stamps that say "Thank You" on them and have the colors of the cards and envelope. With Zazzle, it is so easy to do.
Maybe you love a certain design style, or want a well done design that has a certain look. You can peruse the" best seller" lists or maybe take a chance on one of the featured shops. There are no lack of designs and many ways to find them.
Here are some choices to get you started...
Selection of Artful Notes - From the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Great art from some of the most famous art museums in the world. They always produce products of fine quality with the most beautiful art in the world printed in gorgeous color.
Q: I procrastinated, is it too late to send my note?
A: No, go ahead and write; late thanks is better than none at all.
Q: Do I have to hand write the thank you?
A: No, you don't have to, but taking the time to write something by hand expresses your sincerity and feeling in the best possible way.
Q: Is a long letter better?
A: Actually not. Not only might you put it off always looking for "enough time", but you risk rambling on and on about yourself, instead of focusing on thanking the person you wish to write to.
Q: I already told the person "Thank you", do I still need to write a note?
A: In a word: Yes.
Q: I was sent some money in an envelope, how do I handle this?
A: Just simply state your gratefulness, maybe mention something it will go towards, but it is bad form to write down the exact amount you received.
What about you? Do you take the time to send a handwritten thank you note?
There are always lots of thank you notes due after your wedding, and with all the busy events that were behind you and the new life ahead, you need organizational help an prompts to get the jobs done. At least that helps and that is what this book is meant to do.
If ever there were a time that thank you notes are important it is after the wedding.
It is also one of the most challenging, since the number of notes to write are far more than for most occasions! Learn how to write gracious thank you notes, and set aside a block of time to write them all at once, if you can.
Like anything else, you get into a "flow" that makes the writing go more smoothly.
Brides Take Note
Sample Note
FROM ME TO YOU:
Dear ReflectingPool Friends and Wayfaring Websurfers,
Thank for your comments, here. I appreciate the fact that you took time from a busy day and read through this article, and that now you are leaving me a comment.
So often your time to comment goes unnoticed, or seems to, but I would like you to know how much your notes mean to me. They are bright spots in the day, and allow me to understand the impact my words have had on your life.
And now, you know the impact your words are having on me!
Thank you so much for your time, which is one of our greatest resources to share with each other.
Sincerely,
Ilona on Myreflectingpool.com
Ilonagarden on Hubpages
Yes, Men Should Write, Too
I know that women are given the job of keeping up with social etiquette, but men should know how to handle themselves, too. Writing thank you notes is easy and the video on how to do just that, in the style of the Art of Manliness, tells all.
The Manly Art Of Writing Thanks!
More Help On Writing Thank You Notes - How to improve your expression, how to make cute thank you notes
Bring children into the the celebration of Thanksgiving with one of their favorite activities, coloring. If you have a printer these simple pictures can provide a quiet time in the midst of meal preparations.
How did Thanksgiving become a National Holiday?
Sara Hale tirelessly advocated for a National Thanksgiving holiday. Source: Richards Free Library
A woman named Sarah Hale, editor of the famous Godey’s Lady’s Book magazine, spearheaded a move to enshrine observation of thankfulness in the nation. She wrote to five presidents and numerous governors in her campaign for a Thanksgiving Day.
Hale is largely responsible for the idealistic, somewhat fictional view that Americans today hold in regards to interactions of these first New England colonists and the native peoples. Her picture of this feast with tables laden with turkey, stuffing, many dishes and gravies caught on with Victorian readers.
Godey’s Lady’s Book menu suggestions outlined what we consider a traditional holiday menu, today. How-to and recipes were provided to complete the celebration.
In keeping with her vision of this holiday, pictures here include those that represent parts of the meal, the idea of what the meal was like, how the English and Indian guests were believed to have dressed, and of course, the fat turkey.
Many of this things are now known to have little historical basis, but they are icons of the American Thanksgiving Holiday. I hope you will have fun coloring the ones you download and print.
Thanksgiving Themes
Centering around food, family, and gratefulness, Thanksgiving has ready-made themes. American Indians, native foods of pumpkin and corn, turkey and trimmings, pie…. it is a cornucopia of fun coloring with a bit of history.
Food Concepts of Hunger and Plenty
Pie is the American idea of a dessert dish served at holidays. This is a cherry pie, but pumpkin is the most popular choice.
[caption id="attachment_3381" align="aligncenter" width="442"] Corn, a native food staple helped the new Colonists to survive.
The story changes depending on who tells it and when, but certain facts are undeniable. One is that without the help and instruction of the Natives of the land, the Pilgrims were likely to fail. They greatly suffered from lack of food, and the Indians corn was a Godsend.
Pumpkins, maize, and wild turkeys were some of the bounties of this land where the Pilgrims landed.
The sharing of a feast is a symbol of the peaceful meeting of diverse people and cultures.
Who Were The Pilgrims?
In their native England they were dissenters against the prevailing religious establishment. Braving a journey to an unknown land was worth it to be able to practice their beliefs freely.
When traveling to the new world they came in the company of those wishing to settle for different reasons. The fellow travelers were called “strangers” by their more religious comrades.
Who Were The Wampanoag?
This was the Indian tribe which interacted with the Pilgrims in the original feast. Also called the Massasoit, they had a tradition that all the male leaders should be invited to village feasts. Thus 98 surprise guests turned up at this all-male meal. No worries, though… they came with plenty of meat to supply the tables.
The original celebration lasted three days.
The name means “People of the First Light” since they were situated at the eastern coastal region of the continent. This was a large confederation of tribal villages.
The Wampanoag later came into conflict with the English and suffered great loss from disease with the remnants of their people being sold into slavery, many to the Caribbean islands; but their early relations with the colonists were helpful and supportive. The famous “Squanto” was part of this tribal group:
Tisquantum and other Wampanoag taught the non-native newly arrived Pilgrims how to cultivate varieties of corn, squash and beans (the Three Sisters); catch fish, and collect seafood.(1)
Thankfulness and Gratitude
As first conceived, this was a religious holiday, observed with piety and solemnity. Modern times sees it as a family time with parades, watching football games, and overeating as all part of the day.
What remains is the idea that we should take time to be thankful for our many blessings. Remembrance of the bounty of the nation we live in, gratitude for freedoms and for friendship and family. For religious and secular alike, it is time to recall the good things we enjoy the rest of the year.
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