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National Thank You Month

It's time to spread gratitude and appreciation for all the amazing people in our lives - Happy National Thank You Month!

Friday

1–31

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAll of January

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYValues

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Start the new year off on a grateful note by celebrating National Thank You Month on January 1! This month-long holiday is all about expressing gratitude and appreciation for the people in our lives, from family and friends to coworkers and strangers. It was first established in 1977 by author Marsha Friedman as a way to promote the power of saying "thank you". So let's kick off the new year with kindness, positivity, and heartfelt thank-yous. After all, showing gratitude not only makes others feel good, but it also has many benefits for our own well-being. Let's make this National Thank You Month one to remember!

TIMELINE

National Thank You Month Timeline

Establishment of National Thank You Month

Author Marsha Friedman establishes National Thank You Month to encourage expressions of gratitude.

Growing Recognition

Throughout the 1980s, the celebration of National Thank You Month gradually gains popularity nationwide.

Educational Emphasis

Schools begin to incorporate National Thank You Month activities into their curriculum, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and kindness.

Media Attention

Media outlets nationwide start covering National Thank You Month, leading to an increase in awareness.

Celebration on Social Media

With the rise of social media, National Thank You Month starts being commemorated online, broadening its reach and impact.

Virtual Celebrations

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, celebrations evolve with virtual thank you messages and events becoming common practice.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Thank You Month

Send handwritten thank you notes

In this digital age, receiving a handwritten thank you note can be a heartwarming surprise. Take the time to write out personalized notes to all the people you appreciate and let them know how much they mean to you.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a local charity

Give back to your community by volunteering at a charity or organization that you are passionate about. Not only will it make a difference in the lives of others, but it will also make you feel grateful for all that you have.

HOST

Host a thank you party

Gather your friends and family for a thank you party! Show your appreciation for their love and support by throwing a fun and festive celebration. You can even incorporate gratitude-themed activities and games.

CREATE

Create a gratitude journal

Start the new year off on a positive note by creating a gratitude journal. Write down one thing you are thankful for each day and reflect on all the good things in your life.

SURPRISE

Surprise someone with a thank you gift

Show your appreciation with a small gift or gesture to someone who has made a difference in your life. It can be as simple as a heartfelt note or as extravagant as a thoughtful present.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Thank You Month

It serves as a reminder for self-reflection

National Thank You Month also encourages us to reflect on things that we are grateful for in our own lives. Expressing gratitude can improve our mental wellbeing and help us appreciate the little things in life.

It's a time to express gratitude

In a busy world, it's easy to forget to show appreciation and give thanks to those around us. National Thank You Month encourages people to take the time to say thank you and show gratitude towards others, whether it be through words or small acts of kindness.

It promotes positivity and kindness

By focusing on giving thanks during this month, we can spread positivity and kindness throughout our communities. A simple thank you can brighten someone's day and create a ripple effect of happiness and goodwill.

Related holidays

National Gratitude Month

A month-long awareness observance in November encouraging daily gratitude practices and fostering appreciation for the positive aspects of life.

International Thank-You Day

On International Thank-You Day, take a moment to express gratitude to those who have touched your life and made it better.

Thank You Day

Let's spread gratitude and love on Thank You Day - a simple thank you can make someone's day brighter!

National Thank You Note Day

Say thank you with style this National Thank You Note Day - write heartfelt notes to show your appreciation and gratitude!

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