National Thank You Month is celebrated every year in January. It is one of the most iconic and significant celebrations of the year as from the very start of a new year, it teaches us to be kind to others and acknowledge someone’s effort to help us. In life, it is not always the big things that make our day, it’s the small things like saying “thank you” that can make someone smile. This January, among other things, is the perfect time to make small things count and to go slightly out of your way to help someone, and be appreciative of what others do for you, and say thank you. You do not need to have a big gesture to show that you are thankful. Instead, you could send a quick text message, or write a thank you letter to show your gratitude.
History of National Thank You Month
It is very easy to determine the origins of some landmarks in history because either they were too big to be ignored, or they became part of a culture and stayed. Things like saying “thank you” or being thankful are expressions that have been passed down since forever. Even the caveman would express his feelings or emotions, no matter how raw they were, but expressions were displayed in one way or another.
Words in different languages come later than the human expression and so is the case with saying thank you. And so our dear friendly expression of saying thank you is also as ancient as us, the only difference is, now we say it too less. So, today’s history lesson summarizes a few key points. One, “thank you” may have been said as “Gratias Tibi” in Latin, before the English language even existed. Second, it is not about the language that matters, it is the expression behind it. Third, after words started falling short, people improvised and began writing thank you letters.
The first recorded evidence of thank you notes, or letters, was found in the 1400s in Europe when people began sending greeting cards to their family and friends. Later, this warmth was extended to other people as well. As scientific advancements were made, and long physical distances were theoretically made short, the world witnessed a cultural entanglement but at a cost of greatly reducing meaningful connections with people.
Today, the whole world is virtually accessible but there is no time and, (and I would rather insist on this) desire to go ahead and make someone’s day a bit better by our actions. In this era where everyone is running his or her race to survive, any effort by anyone to do anything good for the other person, may it be very small, makes a big difference. Especially saying thank you to someone and actually meaning it when you say it can really make someone’s day.
National Thank You Month timeline
Man starts uttering “Thrak, fire! Thrak, thank you” (caveman expression).
People in Europe start sending greetings cards to family and friends.
With rapid scientific advancements, communication of all types increases around the world.
The month is celebrated for the first time.
National Thank You Month FAQs
How can I say “thank you” professionally?
The key is to be polite and considerate while keeping control over your emotional sentiment. The point is to make them know that you are thankful and a simple “Thank you very much for your consideration” would suffice.
How can I say “thank you” in a unique way?
Well, every mind is unique. Every mind thinks uniquely, and every person feels a unique set of emotions. The thing is you need to conjure a way that is genuine and heartfelt, and it will bring that desired emotion in the other person.
Do I have to be thankful for everything?
Honestly speaking, yes. One should be humble and not feel like he or she is entitled to the help they are getting.
National Thank You Month Activities
Maintain a journal
One of the many good ideas for this month is to maintain a journal for the entries of every time you went the extra mile for someone, and they said thank you. You can also maintain the record of how many people did something for you, and then plan a decent way to say “thank you” to them.
Express your gratitude
Make sure that whenever someone does anything for you, you thank them, or show your gratitude in whatever way you can. You can either replicate the deed or do something for them instead. Remember, “thank you” are not always just words, they can mean so much more.
Do something nice for someone else
Make a chain of doing good deeds. Someone did something for you, you do something good for someone else. “The good you bring in the world always returns to you” - Aunt Yukie (if you know, you know).
5 Facts About Thankfulness
Women are more grateful than men
It’s been found that women tend to be more grateful than men.
Egos at the workplace
It is less likely for someone to express their thankfulness at work than in any other setting.
It improves emotional stability
Being thankful and feeling gratitude releases endorphins in the body.
Sadly, it is the most neglected expression
Often, instead of being appreciative of something another person has done for them, people become critical.
39 — San Kyu
In Japan, these numbers are commonly texted to say “thank you” as saying them in Japanese is phonetically similar to saying “thank you.”
Why We Love National Thank You Month
It helps us give words of affirmation
We often forget that a simple “thank you” to anyone could mean a lot to them. Any person with confidence issues can become emboldened to do something big the next time. This phrase itself is an affirmation.
It’s an excuse to spend quality time with someone
Another way you can say thank you is by spending time with the person who helped you. Spending time with long-lost friends, or family members can be very comforting and soothing for your emotional stability.
Acts of service
It encourages one to do good. One act of kindness can motivate others to do the same. Make a chain of good deeds and don’t let it stop, it is an act or service to the community.
National Thank You Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 1 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | January 1 | Thursday |
| 2027 | January 1 | Friday |
| 2028 | January 1 | Saturday |
| 2029 | January 1 | Monday |
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