According to History.com, Thanksgiving Day began in 1621 when the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Native Americans shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. Most recently, it has become a holiday over an extended weekend where family and friends gather to show gratitude and thanks. Many will enjoy a traditional holiday turkey that is baked, fried, smoked or purchased with the accompaniment of what some would denote as southern side dishes.
Thanksgiving does not have to be done in a box, with the pandemic many of us will experience it differently this year. It does not have to be limited to a small circle of friends and family. Consider 5 ways to increase your networking exposure this Thanksgiving in ways that are unexpected.
1. Email. Send a personalized email outfitted with a graphical “Thank you, Bob”, fill in “Bob” with the name of the person you are in gratitude to this season. Denote the specific reason you are expressing this appreciation. Sign it with a graphical signature. Both will add a personal touch to make your email stand out.
2. Phone. Call to acknowledge how your contact has been a “difference maker” to you this year. The art of picking up the phone is becoming less prevalent with social media. Show you care with your voice.
3. Text. Find a Happy Thanksgiving gif and type a specific acknowledgement of your thanks for special treatment, extraordinary behavior, or simple recognition.
4. Gift. Have their favorite dessert delivered. It’s a “sweet way” to say thank you.
5. Video. Record an acknowledgment that is heart-felt. Let them know what you appreciate about the relationship.
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