National Thank-you Note Day is a special day celebrated on December 26th each year, the day after Christmas. It’s a day set aside to express gratitude through handwritten notes to friends, family, and anyone who has made a difference in your life over the past year. This tradition taps into the simple yet powerful act of saying “thank you” more personally and meaningfully.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: December 26th
- Tagged as: Gratitude, Communication, Tradition
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalThankYouNoteDay
- When was it founded?: Not well-documented
- Who founded it?: Unknown, though the practice of thank-you notes gained popularity after etiquette expert Emily Post emphasized its importance
History of National Thank-you Note Day
The history of National Thank You Note Day spans several centuries, highlighting the value of written notes. While the exact origins of this specific day are not well-documented, the tradition of sending thank-you notes has deep roots, dating back to ancient civilizations. Egyptians would write on papyrus sheets and the Chinese would write on paper, sending messages to friends such as greetings or wishing them luck.
The practice of expressing thanks through handwritten notes became particularly popular in the United States after etiquette expert Emily Post emphasized its importance in her book on manners. The word ‘thank’ is believed to have originated between c.450 and c.1100, with the Old English noun meaning “thought.” Its meaning evolved into “favorable thought or feeling, goodwill” and later “kindly thought or feeling entertained towards anyone for favor or services.”
Timeline
- 1400s: Europeans began exchanging greeting cards with family members and friends
- 1850: Louis Prang emigrated to America from Switzerland
- 1873: Louis Prang began producing and selling greeting cards to the European market
- 1874: Prang introduced thank you notes to the United States after immigrating from Germany
Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | December 26 | Friday |
| 2026 | December 26 | Saturday |
| 2027 | December 26 | Sunday |
| 2028 | December 26 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | December 26 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | December 26 | Thursday |
Observed
National Thank-You Note Day is observed annually on December 26th. It comes right after Christmas, when many gifts are given, making it the perfect time to show gratitude to those who have given you presents during the holiday season.
Fun Facts About National Thank-You Note Day
- According to traditional etiquette, if you open your present in front of someone and thank them in person, you can either skip the note or send it anyway.
- It’s considered classy to write thank you notes for holiday parties you attend too.
- Writing thank you notes with your kids is a practical way to teach gratitude to children.
- Mary Shelley wrote a thank you note to her friend Lord Byron, thanking him for allowing her to spend the summer at his home in Geneva, where the story of Frankenstein was conceived.
Quiz
- When is National Thank-You Note Day celebrated?
- What is the main purpose of this day?
- Who introduced thank you notes to the United States?
(Answers: 1. December 26th, 2. To express gratitude through handwritten notes, 3. Louis Prang)
FAQs
Is ‘thank you’ capitalized?
The phrase ‘thank you’ is not meant to be capitalized when used on its own in a sentence. Examples you may see otherwise are possibly the writer’s style choice or an honest mistake.
Is it necessary to send a thank you note if I’ve already thanked someone in person?
According to traditional etiquette, if you open your present in front of someone and thank them in person, you can either skip the note or send it anyway. However, a written note often carries more meaning and shows extra appreciation.
Are email thank you notes acceptable?
Emails are fine if you normally talk to someone through email, but a card or a letter tends to be more meaningful. E-cards are okay too, but handwritten notes provide a more personal touch.
Importance of National Thank-You Note Day
National Thank-You Note Day upholds a tradition that boosts our well-being by encouraging us to focus on gratitude, thereby improving our mood and mental health. In our fast-paced, digital world, taking the time to write a thank you note is a heartfelt gesture that shows you genuinely appreciate the kindness, support, or gift you’ve received.
These notes make the recipients feel special and appreciated, which, in turn, strengthens the bonds between people. The practice, despite its simplicity, can profoundly impact personal and professional relationships, making it a tradition worth preserving and cherishing.
Related
- International Thank-You Day (January 11)
- World Gratitude Day (September 21)
- National Handwriting Day (January 23)
- National Card and Letter Writing Month (April)
- National Stationery Week (Last week of April)