Thanksgiving is upon us and it’s always a great reminder to give thanks in our lives.  I try very hard to give thanks every day of the year but this week really puts it on notice.  I am a huge believer in the power of gratitude and I believe in giving thanks not only for the blessings in our lives but also to give thanks to the people in our lives.  Do we say thank you enough to the people who really matter to us?  I hope we do.  Do we say thank you enough to those people on the peripheral of our lives, postmen, wait staff, nurses, retail clerks, mechanics etc? Probably not, but we need to.

Here are a few ideas for giving thanks:

1. A handwritten note: I cannot say it enough…taking the time to write a note in your own unique and special handwriting, is a gift all by itself.  Throw in beautiful stationery and you’ve really made someone smile.  It doesn’t take a lot of effort to write a note of thanks from the heart.

2. Give a great book: When you read a really good book do you think of the people in your life who would enjoy the book as well?  Then make it a habit to either pass along the book or buy a new one for someone who would really benefit from the message in the book.  I love to give books as gifts.  Include a thankful message inside the book and it’s the perfect way to give thanks.

3. Pay it forward: We were recently in our favorite brunch spot, The Farmer’s Table, and we learned that the folks before us bought our breakfast.  This was such a treat! We decided to keep it going and buy the next person’s breakfast as well.  In line at Starbucks, or drive through at McDonald’s, make yourself happy by paying for the person or car behind you.  When you have a really great wait person…tip a little more, especially during the holidays.  This is a great way to give thanks.

What are your favorite ways to give thanks?