As a society, we have the tendency to go all out for the holidays, spending absurd amounts of money on travel, waking up at sunrise to begin cooking, and preparing far more food than anyone could possibly eat. While these gestures hold meaning, we must pause to remember the true heart of the Thanksgiving season: gratitude. It goes far beyond a simple “thank you” — it’s something that can be found in genuine, heartfelt actions.
Join Lifestyle this holiday season as we lean into the Thanksgiving spirit. We’ve curated a guide to help you express your gratitude to your loved ones and the people in your life to whom you might not have even considered showing your appreciation.
Putting pen to paper
You don’t have to be the next Shakespeare to express your gratitude in prose. You might be surprised with how much you actually have to say when you sit down and start writing. We recommend leaning into arts and crafts, so make a card! Fold some construction paper in half and decorate the cover — use stickers, fake jewels, patterned fabric for the border, or even try your hand at those viral TikTok pop-up cards. Then, comes the real star of the show: letting your thoughts flow onto the page. Don’t overthink it — just let the words come on their own. If you’re stuck, no worries! Think about how much this person really means to you, the moments you feel deeply grateful for, and even those random, funny memories you still laugh about. Letters are a tangible, personal, and lasting way to show your thanks, and the recipient will surely be touched by your heartfelt message.
Although most letters go to those closest to us, smaller notes of gratitude can be shared with those who quietly support our daily routines. We can’t forget about the people delivering our mail or the staff working the front desk in your dorm building— write them a short letter and make your gratitude loud and clear. If you use the bus to commute, express your gratitude by writing your bus driver a small thank-you note and passing it to them on your way out!
Making their priorities your priorities
In the chaotic, fast-paced world of the quarter system, it’s hard to dedicate a day to socializing with your friends. You’re busy, they’re busy — it becomes an endless cycle of rain check after rain check. We suggest a simple idea: Make their priorities your priorities. Instead of thinking about big, cinematic moments of shared quality time, shift your focus to small, practical ones. Think of it as small tasks you tackle together, like studying or running errands together. Random side quests sometimes prove to be the most memorable! You might find that these small but meaningful moments deepen your friendship and demonstrate just how grateful you are for their presence in your life. Gratitude isn’t just about giving thanks — it shows the other person that they’re worth slowing down and making time for.
Don’t be afraid to apply this approach around campus — make your wider community’s priorities yours as well. Show your appreciation and respect for our hardworking custodians and faculty around campus who work early mornings and late nights to keep our common spaces clean and welcoming. Especially during this busy time of year, it’s extra important to do your part by cleaning up after yourself, whether that’s after hosting a Friendsgiving in your dorm or picking up litter you find around campus.
Giving gifts with meaning
Black Friday has practically become synonymous with the holiday season, and while the magnetic pull of sales is surely tempting, we need to make an effort to focus on connection, not consumption. Giving gifts is one way to express your gratitude, but it’s important that you choose something meaningful. Start by taking a moment to reflect on your relationship with that person. What do you like to do together? What are their hobbies? What do they express interest in — even if it was just once or twice? If they’re always snapping photos, consider curating a personalized photo album. Pick out some of their favorite photos and decorate the outside to make your gift extra special. Add a little note on the back of each photo that explains why you chose it. Or, perhaps you know someone who loves to listen to music. Let’s rewind back to the 2000s and burn some of their favorite songs — or songs you think they might like — onto a custom CD. Pick a catchy name for their new mix and write down why you selected those songs for them.
And why stop at the people in your life who are easy to shop for? You might not be ready to burn a mixtape for your professor or teaching assistants, but it’s still important to express your gratitude for the often overlooked individuals who support us on our academic journey. Sometimes a simple gesture can really brighten someone’s day and be a meaningful way to show your appreciation for them. Consider dropping off some good old fashioned universally-loved snacks — on theme for the food-fueled fall festivities. You can’t go wrong with allergen-friendly snacks from Costco like individually-packed popcorn or by going above and beyond with something homemade.
This Thanksgiving, express your gratitude for your close friends and wider community alike. Remember that it doesn’t matter how big or elaborate your gesture is — oftentimes, it really is the thought that counts.
