Now that the holidays are starting to wrap up, it’s time to take down the tree and get ready for the new year. But before you do, there is one more holiday that warrants our attention. December 26th is National Thank You Note Day, inspired, of course, by all the gifts given and received on Christmas Day.
This day is also shared with Boxing Day, a holiday that originated in the U.K. Originally, the holiday was intended as a day for giving gifts to service workers that worked through the Christmas Holiday as a way to thank them and give them a day off to enjoy for themselves.
The designation of December 26th as National Thank You Note Day no doubt ties into the concept of Boxing Day. But regardless of which holiday you celebrate, everyone could benefit from a little more gratitude in our lives.
Why Have a Holiday Around Thank You Notes?
It’s easy to get caught up in the consumerism of the holiday season. Christmas is a chance to show people you care, and you don’t want to leave anyone out. All of the hustle and bustle, however, can leave us stressed and overwhelmed, making the holiday season something to dread rather than appreciate.
National Thank You Note Day gives us a chance to slow down and find gratitude for the loved ones in our lives that make the holiday season special.
Whether it is thanking them for a gift, or simply expressing gratitude for their friendship, be sure to reach out and let them know with a personal, thoughtful note.
Get Creative!
Your thank you note doesn’t have to be in the form of a card. You can show your appreciation in any way that feels right. But a handwritten thank you note in this day and age does hold a lot of significance and sentimentality, especially after a stressful holiday season.
If you’re feeling stuck, there are a variety of online card design websites to give you inspiration. You can also send e-cards in lieu of paper cards if you have loved ones that live far away. Some great online platforms for ecards are smilebox.com, paperlesspost.com, and 123greetings.com.
You can even make this a family activity! Have everyone sit down and right two or three thank you cards. Get creative and make homemade cards from scratch- that will make it even more personal and meaningful to the recipient.
Fold some cardstock in half, and let the kids decorate! Getting the kids involved is a great way to instill gratitude at a young age and reinforce the true meaning of the holiday season. They will be very excited to show off their creations!
Don’t know what to write? Don’t worry, there are plenty of resources to help you get started and come up with unique and personal content for your letters.
The Reason for the Season
Most importantly, this day reminds us that the holidays are not a time for racking up debt and impressing our family and friends with lavish gifts. It is a time for togetherness, gratitude, and joy.
A card may not cost much or be difficult to make, but a heartfelt, handwritten note can be more meaningful than even the most expensive or extravagant gift.
So, however you decide to do it, put a smile on someone’s face today. Find time to send a thank you note to someone in your life. Not only will it brighten up their day, but it is sure to brighten up yours too.
Celebrate Every Day
Interested in celebrating more fun holidays? Here are a few coming up in January:
January 1 – New Years Day
January 2 – National Science Fiction Day
January 3 – National Fruitcake Toss Day
January 4 – National Trivia Day
January 5 – National Bird Day
January 6 – National Technology Day
January 7 – National Bobblehead Day
January 8 – National Bubble Bath Day
January 9 – National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
January 10 – National Cut Your Energy Costs Day
January 11 – National Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friends Day
January 12 – National Pharmacist Day
January 13 – National Clean Off Your Desk Day
January 14 – National Dress Up Your Pet Day
January 15 – National Strawberry Ice Cream Day
January 16 – Get to Know Your Customers Day
January 17 – National Hot Buttered Rum Day
January 18 – National Thesaurus Day
January 19 – National Popcorn Day
January 20 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 21 – National Hugging Day
January 22 – Library Shelfie Day
January 23 – National Handwriting Day
January 24 – National Compliment Day
January 25 – National Opposite Day
January 26 – National Spouses Day
January 27 – National Chocolate Cake Day
January 28 – National Have Fun At Work Day
January 29 – National Puzzle Day
January 30 – National Croissant Day
January 31 – National Backward Day
Enjoy National Thank You Note Day and continue to find the joy in each day!