Wishes

Thanksgiving Wishes for Family

A good Thanksgiving wish for family says thank you for the people who knew you before you had it all figured out, and these 28 messages help you say it.

They're sorted into general family wishes, notes for siblings and cousins, words for grandparents, and messages for relatives you won't see at the table this year. Use them in cards, texts or as a short toast before dinner.

Wishes for the whole familyFor siblings and cousinsFor grandparentsFor family who can't be there

Wishes for the whole family

  1. Happy Thanksgiving to the loudest, funniest, most loving family anyone could ask for.
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  2. Our table may be crowded, but there's always room for one more. That's why I love this family.
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  3. Grateful for every person who has ever squeezed onto our couch after dinner. Happy Thanksgiving, family.
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  4. Wishing our family a Thanksgiving full of old traditions and a few new ones too.
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  5. No matter how far we roam, Thanksgiving always brings us home. Love you all.
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  6. This family is my favorite recipe: a little sweet, a little nutty and impossible to replace.
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  7. Thank you for the support, the hugs and the honest opinions nobody asked for. Happy Thanksgiving!
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For siblings and cousins

  1. Happy Thanksgiving to the sibling who still fights me for the drumstick. Some things never change.
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  2. You've known me longest and you still like me. That's worth giving thanks for.
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  3. Cousins make the kids' table the best table. Happy Thanksgiving to my original crew.
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  4. Thankful for a brother who always has my back, even when he's stealing my pie.
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  5. To my sister: thank you for being my first friend and my forever one. Happy Thanksgiving.
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  6. Here's to growing up together, growing apart a little and always coming back to the same table.
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  7. Happy Thanksgiving! Mom says we have to be nice to each other today, so I'll start: you're great.
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For grandparents

  1. Happy Thanksgiving, Grandma. Every good thing about this holiday started in your kitchen.
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  2. Grandpa, thank you for the stories, the wisdom and the secret extra helping of dessert. Happy Thanksgiving.
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  3. Our family tree is strong because of the roots you planted. Happy Thanksgiving, with love.
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  4. I'm grateful for every Thanksgiving I've spent at your table. You make this day what it is.
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  5. Thank you for teaching us that gratitude is something you practice, not just something you say.
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  6. Happy Thanksgiving to the two people who made our whole family possible. We love you more than pie.
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For family who can't be there

  1. The table feels a little emptier without you this year. We'll save your seat and your favorite dish.
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  2. Happy Thanksgiving from home. We'll raise a glass to you when we say grace.
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  3. Miles apart, still family. Sending love from every one of us around the table.
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  4. We'll be passing the potatoes and missing you. Call during dessert so we can all say hi.
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  5. Wherever you are today, you're part of our Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving, we love you.
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  6. Your recipe is on the table even if you're not. Thank you for always being part of this day.
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  7. Next year, you're on stuffing duty. This year, we're just sending love. Happy Thanksgiving!
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  8. Thinking of you as we sit down to eat. Distance never makes this family any smaller.
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Family messages land best when they name a tradition: the casserole only Aunt Linda makes, the backyard football game, the annual argument over the parade. Read one aloud before grace and you've got an instant toast.

Need a gift too? See our Thanksgiving Gifts the Whole Family Can Share.

Frequently asked questions

What is a nice Thanksgiving message for family?

A simple one works: "Grateful for every person at this table. Happy Thanksgiving, family." Mentioning a shared tradition makes it feel even more personal.

How do I send Thanksgiving wishes to family who live far away?

Send a text or card before Thanksgiving Day and then call or video chat during dessert, when the house is calmer. Tell them you saved their seat or made their favorite dish.

What can I say before Thanksgiving dinner with family?

Keep it short: thank everyone for coming, name one thing you're grateful for this year and raise a glass. Under a minute is perfect before the food gets cold.

More wishes and messages