National Thank You Note Day

National Thank You Note Day is all about showing gratitude and appreciation to those around us through words. Notes and postcards have been used for centuries to communicate heartfelt messages, and it’s important to continue this tradition.

History

The use of notes to show appreciation dates back to Ancient Egypt and China, where people wrote on papyrus or early forms of paper and carefully crafted each line to bring a smile to the recipient. The exact origin of the modern postcard is debated—some credit it to early paper invented by Cai Lun in China, while others point to 19th-century England with the introduction of penny postcards.

Today, paper cards are used less frequently, while electronic versions are becoming increasingly popular. E-cards allow you to send messages instantly, not only on National Thank You Note Day but any time. However, it’s important to remember where this tradition began and to keep the art of paper note-writing alive.

Interesting facts

• In India, it’s often considered impolite to say “thank you”; instead, people show appreciation through smiles and gestures.
• In China, lightly tapping the table with the right hand is a traditional sign of gratitude.
• In some Arab cultures, thanking someone for a meal can be considered bad form, as hospitality is an obligation.
• Expressing or receiving gratitude increases levels of oxytocin—the “bonding hormone”—which can improve emotional well-being.
• Saying “thank you” has been shown to enhance customer satisfaction in service industries.

How to take part

On National Thank You Note Day, choose quality stationery and write sincere notes to people who have helped or inspired you. Be specific about what you appreciate, and consider including a small handmade token or photo. Then mail or hand-deliver your notes to brighten someone’s day.

When is National Thank You Note Day in 2025?

National Thank You Note Day is observed on December 26 each year.

Observations