29 of the Best Happy Thanksgiving Quotes to Share With Those You’re Thankful For

Inspirational Thanksgiving Quote

"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more." - Oprah Winfrey

If anyone can speak to not having a lot to begin with, it's Oprah. The media mogul talk-show host grew up in extreme poverty in a home that didn't even have indoor plumbing. But she bravely followed her dreams and reached success — without forgetting the importance of expressing gratitude every step along the way. 

Sharing Thanksgiving Quote

"If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share." - W. Clement Stone

Famous for his rags-to-riches story of building a successful insurance company from extremely limited funds, the businessman and author consistently espoused his beliefs in the power of positivity and optimism — and helping others along the way. It just goes to show that simple and cute Happy Thanksgiving quotes can have a much deeper meaning when you really think about them.

Generosity Thanksgiving Quote

"Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot." - Hausa Proverb

This inspiring proverb originates from Nigeria, a country in West Africa. The Hausa people, one of the largest ethnic groups in the country, certainly have a beautiful way to express what giving thanks truly means for the giver. 

Gratitude Thanksgiving Quote

"Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse." - Henry Van Dyke

The famous author, poet, and educator certainly had a way with words, didn't he? Considering he wrote an entire book called Gratitude ($10.99, Amazon), perhaps we shouldn't be so surprised that he was able to articulate the meaning of Thanksgiving so eloquently.

Encouraging Thanksgiving Quote

"Thanksgiving Day is a good day to recommit our energies to giving thanks and just giving." - Amy Grant

The popular Christian singer sure knows how to encourage us to give thanks and give back to others in this inspiring Thanksgiving quote. After all, it's never too late to harness your own strength to lend a helping hand to those in need. Why not start now? Christian Thanksgiving quotes like this one can be a great inspiration.

Thoughtful Thanksgiving Quote

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our Thanksgiving." - W.T. Purkiser

W.T. Purkiser was both a respected 20th-century scholar and a beloved preacher for the Church of the Nazarene. It's not shocking, then, that he was able to perfectly describe the importance of putting our blessings to use outside of praises and toasts at the holiday dining table. What a perfect way to tell everyone in the world: "Have a blessed Thanksgiving!"

Blessed Thanksgiving Quote

"We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count." - Neal A. Maxwell

Leave it to one of the most devoted religious leaders and hardworking authors (with 30 published books and many more articles to his name) to explain how to take being blessed to the next level — on Thanksgiving Day and every day.

Meaningful Thanksgiving Quote

"I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual." - Henry David Thoreau

Note the lowercase "t" in this quote, because we're sure this was absolutely intentional on Henry David Thoreau's part. Not only was Thoreau a noted philosopher and writer, he also made a name for himself by living simply. It makes sense that he would give thanks for the little things every day, and not just the holiday. That alone makes it one of the best Thanksgiving quotes by far.

Togetherness Thanksgiving Quote

"Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness and gratitude." - Nigel Hamilton

Isn't it lovely that the British-born author and biographer articulated the meaning of Thanksgiving so flawlessly? It just goes to show that the spirit of this lovely holiday can be shared and adored by anyone, even if he or she didn't grow up celebrating it. Nothing says, "Happy Thanksgiving, family" quite like this.

Religious Thanksgiving Quote

"'Thank you' is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding." - Alice Walker 

These are wise words from an even wiser poet and novelist. Alice Walker clearly shows that some widely-said phrases (like 'thank you,' in this instance) can mean and matter more to others than we will ever fully know. 

Heartwarming Thanksgiving Quote

"Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year because it reminds us to give thanks and to count our blessings. Suddenly, so many things become so little when we realize how blessed and lucky we are." - Joyce Giraud

Joyce Giraud is both a devoted actress and steadfast philanthropist, so she is clearly ready to give thanks for what she has and to give back to others who are less fortunate. What a beautiful and inspiring way to say, "Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones" to everyone she meets.

Uplifting Thanksgiving Quote

"The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest." - William Blake

The renowned poet and artist sure knew how to paint a beautiful and encouraging picture with his words — including these words about being thankful.

Poignant Thanksgiving Quote

"We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives." - John F. Kennedy

The late president highlights the importance about being thankful for other people, not just material things — a key component of the holiday. This Thanksgiving, we should all be inspired to take a moment and personally thank those people in our lives who are dear to us.

Mindful Thanksgiving Quote

"Be present in all things and thankful for all things." - Maya Angelou

It's hard to find people that have a way with words like Maya Angelou. The classic poet described the importance of being thankful in the moment — not just after it — in the most elegant fashion. Considering her much-beloved talent, we're hardly surprised at all that this is one of the most beautiful Thanksgiving Day quotes.

Joyful Thanksgiving Quote

"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings." - William Arthur Ward

Any day can be a day of thanksgiving (note the lowercase "t"), as long as we are grateful for what we have and spread our joy to others with Thanksgiving sayings. Funny how the inspirational writer William Arthur Ward perfectly hit the nail on the head with this quote, isn't it?

Prayerful Thanksgiving Quote

"Thanksgiving has wings and goes where it must go. Your prayer knows much more about it than you do." - Victor Hugo

If you're a person who prays, you can probably connect well with classic author Victor Hugo and his description of Thanksgiving's ability to fly to those in need. Much like a prayer, we can't see Thanksgiving, but it can be lovely to know that it's still there.

Family Thanksgiving Quote

"I love Thanksgiving because it's a holiday that is centered around food and family, two things that are of utmost importance to me." - Marcus Samuelsson

The ambitious international chef summed up the two main reasons why many of us adore the holiday in the most matter-of-fact way. At the end of the day, it's really all about soaking up precious time with your loved ones, and if you get a slice of pie (or two!) out of it, all the better.

Peaceful Thanksgiving Quote

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." - Mother Teresa

The beloved late religious leader and close friend of Princess Diana certainly had plenty of wisdom to share with the world while she was still alive. No matter what you're saying "thank you" for this year, this Thanksgiving quote is a wonderful one to share with everyone you know and love on the holiday.

Deep Thanksgiving Quote

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." - Winston Churchill

When you think about famous Thanksgiving quotes, the renowned English prime minister Winston Churchill probably doesn't come to mind. (After all, Thanksgiving is traditionally an American holiday, not an English one.) That said, the sentiment behind Churchill's thoughtful saying is right in line with modern-day quotes about being blessed and blessing others in return. We can't think of a better way to say "Happy Thanksgiving" this year — can you?

Quote About Being Blessed

“A great meal is an experience that nourishes more than your body.” - Ruth Reichl 

Popular quotes about Thanksgiving always seem to touch on the topic of gratitude. When we think about all the things that we're grateful for, the blessing of food and the loved ones whom we share it with are probably two of the main subjects that come to mind. Therefore, it's only fitting that Thanksgiving celebrates both. That's why this quote by famed food writer Ruth Reichl is so poignant to read among quotes about family and food for this special holiday.

Thanksgiving Quote on Being Grateful

"I have a lot to be thankful for. I am healthy, happy, and I am loved." - Reba McEntire

The legendary country singer sure knows a thing or two about counting her blessings every day. We're so glad that she decided to share a few of her favorite ones in this cute Thanksgiving quote. Although they may seem like simple things to be grateful for, it's worth remembering that there are people out there who have a whole lot less than that. It's truly the little things that mean the most — especially when they come from those whom you love.

Quote on Thanksgiving and Gratitude

"Gratitude is the wine for the soul. Go on. Get drunk." - Rumi

The famous poet and scholar pays tribute to the meaning of gratitude with these beautiful words. We can't think of a more poignant metaphor to explain what it means to be deeply thankful in your heart and soul. And of course, the added dash of humor at the end of this Thanksgiving quote ties it up perfectly. Cheers!

Quote About Giving Thanks

"Some people grumble that roses have thorns; I am grateful that thorns have roses." - Alphonse Karr

Much like roses, life has its tough parts, too. But as the famous French critic and novelist pointed out with this beautiful metaphor, sometimes you have a better appreciation for the good things in life after going through the bad things. When you're trying to think of a unique Thanksgiving quote to share around the dinner table this year, consider using this one. Your guests will never forget these words to live by.

Quote About Appreciation

"The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness." - Dalai Lama

It's not surprising that such an influential leader like the Dalai Lama would have something so thoughtful to say about appreciating the good things in life. But isn't it wonderful how such a universal feeling could apply so perfectly to the celebration of Thanksgiving? Of all the famous quotes about gratitude out there, this just might be one of our favorites.

Thanksgiving Quote About Life

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life." - Melody Beattie

As the self-help author eloquently explains in this quote, gratitude is truly a "key" part of thoroughly enjoying life. Of course, this sentiment should be true for every day of the year, but it's especially important to remember during the holidays. Don't you think that makes this of the most perfect quotes for Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving Quote About Counting Blessings

"Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it." - Ralph Marston

The famous motivational writer reminds us of the importance of being grateful for every moment, even if you're not exactly where you want to be just yet. It can be tough to maintain a positive attitude all the time, but quotes for Thanksgiving like this one show that it can be truly rewarding in the long run to do so. Who knows? Something even more positive might be waiting for you just around the corner.

Motivational Thanksgiving Quote

"Be thankful for the blessings of the little things, even when you don't get what you expect." - Victoria Osteen

This quote about thankfulness from Victoria Osteen — who is the wife of famed pastor Joel Osteen — is a perfect reminder to reflect on our blessings this holiday season. However, we would do well to keep her words in mind all year round. Remember: There's never a bad time to say "thank you" to someone special in your life.

Reflective Thanksgiving Quote

"Every now and then it's good to stop climbing and appreciate the view from right where you are." - Lori Deschene

When we get caught up in the hectic chaos of day-to-day life, it's all too easy to forget about all the wonderful things we have right now. No matter how far along we are on our journeys, it's important not to lose sight of all our blessings that we can see and feel. There's no time like the present, after all!

Compassionate Thanksgiving Quote

"Let us fill our hearts with our own compassion — towards ourselves and towards all living beings." - Thich Nhat Hanh

No matter what day it is, it's important to show compassion to everyone we meet in the best possible ways we can. We can't think of a better day to remind ourselves of that than Thanksgiving.

On that note, we hope you all have a wonderful holiday! Enjoy every minute.