99 Meaningful Thanksgiving Quotes about Gratitude, Family, and Gathering

Thanksgiving is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of gratitude, love, and togetherness. Whether you’re searching for words to include in a holiday card, giving a heartfelt toast, or crafting the perfect Instagram post, these Thanksgiving quotes capture the spirit of the season. From classic expressions of thanks to humorous takes on turkey day traditions, let these sayings infuse your celebration with warmth and meaning.

Why Thanksgiving Quotes Matter

The art of expressing gratitude has been central to Thanksgiving since its earliest days. At its core, the holiday invites us to pause, reflect on our blessings—both large and small—and share that appreciation with those we love. Quotes can help us find the right words when our own escape us, making our gatherings richer and our messages more memorable.

Table of Contents

• Inspirational Thanksgiving Quotes
• Funny Thanksgiving Quotes
• Quotes about Family and Gathering
• Gratitude and Appreciation Quotes
• Historical and Reflective Quotes
• Short and Sweet Favorites
• Frequently Asked Questions

Inspirational Thanksgiving Quotes

When we reflect on the meaning of Thanksgiving, inspiration abounds. These quotes speak to the power of gratitude and the joy of cherishing life’s simple blessings.

• “Thanksgiving is not only being aware of the abundance of good in the world but embracing it.” – Richelle E. Goodrich
• “We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” – Thornton Wilder
• “Give thanks as if you are living just to appreciate life. Live as if your life depends on love, kindness, gratitude, and thanksgiving.” – Debasish Mridha
• “Gratitude is like pie. It’s too good to keep to yourself.” – Tina Neidlein
• “Thanksgiving Day is a good day to recommit our energies to giving thanks and just giving.” – Amy Grant

Let these reminders guide your celebrations and your daily life, infusing every moment with a spirit of thankfulness.

Funny Thanksgiving Quotes

A little humor goes a long way in bringing everyone together. Lighten the mood with these cheerful, witty quotes perfect for a Thanksgiving toast or social media post:

• “Thanksgiving: Bringing out the best in family dysfunction since 1621!”
• “Let’s get basted!”
• “Grateful for the people at this table. And for elastic waistbands.”
• “This Thanksgiving, may your turkey be juicy and your conversations drama-free.”
• “Spending a day eating, just being thankful, eating, watching TV, and eating with people I love? Thank you, YES!” – Sara Quenzer

Inject these playful sayings into your celebration to get everyone smiling before pie is served.

Quotes about Family and Gathering

Thanksgiving is, above all, a day to gather with loved ones. Here are quotes that capture the warmth of family bonds, friendship, and community:

• “Family and friends with grins ear to ear will gather together—Thanksgiving is near!” – Sheri Wall
• “Thanksgiving…when we all see our blessings more clearly, hold our family and friendships more dearly, and offer our thanks more sincerely.” – Kay Andrew
• “Thanksgiving calls out the best in us…gratitude for what’s good in life, a true spirit of welcome, and joy in simply being together.” – Suzanne Berry
• “At a certain time of year, you just want your gratitude covered in gravy and served with a side of togetherness!” – Hallmark Writing Studio
• “Our Thanks Runneth Over.” – Ellen Brenneman

Use these words to remind everyone at your table of the true heart of the holiday.

Gratitude and Appreciation Quotes

Thanksgiving is synonymous with gratitude. These quotes help articulate thankfulness for all we have, encouraging us to pause and count our blessings:

• “This is the perfect time of year to look back and be thankful. Because God is good and His love has carried us through.” – Keion Jackson
• “Grateful for every plateful!” – Lisa Riggin
• “Always add a pinch of gratitude.” – Stacey Donovan
• “Counting one’s blessings, however small, is something that definitely embodies the spirit of the first Thanksgiving.” – Leah Hall
• “Let us be thankful, not just one day, but every day.”

Feel free to share these lines in cards, texts, or as part of your own Thanksgiving tradition.

Historical and Reflective Quotes

Thanksgiving’s roots run deep, with a story that has evolved over centuries. These quotes reflect on its origins, traditions, and the complex layers of American history:

• “Just when the air turns frosty and the days shrink into darkness, the Christmas season arrives in America. It begins at Thanksgiving—with families, feasts and football.” – J. Curtis Sanburn
• “The holiday grew to embody the morals that Americans wanted to uphold and promote through an annual meal of gratefulness and plenty.” – Leah Hall
• “Both the colonists and Wampanoag have histories of celebrating harvests throughout the ages, giving thanks to God, the earth, or whoever was worshipped for what they had grown and would hopefully sustain them through the winter.” – Leah Hall
• “Thanksgiving reminds us that no matter our differences, gathering with those we love to give thanks is a tradition worth preserving.”

Reflecting on the meaning of the holiday helps deepen our appreciation for the present moment and the people around us.

Short and Sweet Favorites

Sometimes, the simplest words carry the most meaning. Here are some short Thanksgiving quotes perfect for place cards, quick messages, or social media captions:

• “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”
• “Let our hearts be full of both thanks and giving.”
• “Thankful, grateful, blessed.”
• “Bless this food, this family, and this love.”
• “Eat, drink, and be thankful.”
• “Give thanks with a grateful heart.”

Thanksgiving Quotes for Every Occasion

Whether your Thanksgiving is filled with children’s laughter, the clatter of dishes, or reflective solitude, there’s a quote below to suit any mood, audience, or style. Consider sprinkling these throughout your gathering:

• For the Thanksgiving Toast:
  “May your home be filled with laughter, your hearts with love, and your table with delicious food.”
• For the Holiday Card:
  “Wishing you and your family a harvest of blessings.”
• For Social Media:
  “Eat pie, give thanks, repeat.”
• For a Family Gathering:
  “As we gather around the table, let us be grateful for food, friendship, and family.”
• For the Cook:
  “May your turkey be moist, your pie plentiful, and your dishes washed by someone else!”

How to Use Thanksgiving Quotes

• Include quotes in Thanksgiving cards for family and friends.
• Add an inspiring or funny quote to your dinner toast.
• Use as captions for your Thanksgiving photos on social media.
• Print your favorite quote on place cards or menus.
• Text a heartwarming line to loved ones far away.

However you choose to use them, expressing gratitude adds richness to any Thanksgiving tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the origin of Thanksgiving?

The traditional story of the first Thanksgiving centers on a 1621 harvest celebration shared by Pilgrims and Wampanoag people at Plimouth. However, the holiday as it’s known today became standardized in the 19th century as a day to promote gratitude, unity, and national identity.

It was officially declared a national holiday by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863.

How can I use these Thanksgiving quotes?

Thanksgiving quotes can be used in toasts, cards, text messages, social media posts, or even written on your Thanksgiving dinner menu. They help express appreciation, add humor, and set the tone for your celebration.

Are there Thanksgiving quotes suitable for children?

Absolutely! Uplifting, simple phrases like “Family and friends with grins ear to ear will gather together—Thanksgiving is near!” are perfect for kids to share or recite.

What are some short Thanksgiving quotes for place cards?

• “Thankful, grateful, blessed.”
• “Give thanks with a grateful heart.”
• “Eat, drink, and be thankful.”

How do I make my Thanksgiving message memorable?

Personalizing your message helps! Share a specific reason you’re grateful for the recipient, add a relevant quote, or include a humorous touch. Thoughtful words elevate any holiday greeting.

Conclusion: Celebrate with Words of Gratitude

Thanksgiving is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and gather. The right words—whether lighthearted, heartfelt, or wise—can make every moment more meaningful. Use these 99 Thanksgiving quotes to express gratitude, honor togetherness, and inspire all those around your table, near and far.

Explore more holiday inspiration and quotes for every occasion to make your celebrations memorable all year long.

Author

Srija Burman

 

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

Read full bio of Srija Burman