Why you need to know about World Gratitude Day - it makes more of a difference than you realise

When was the last time you thought about your attitude to gratitude?

Are you one of those great givers of gifts and a thoughtful thanker?

Or are you struggling to recall the last time you sent a gift or a letter to acknowledge an act of kindness from a friend or relative?

If your thank-you notes arrive on time, every time then you are a shining example of how we believe things should be.

When someone takes the time to show their appreciation, it’s enough to make us feel good for the rest of the day, or even a whole week.

But the fast-paced nature of our busy lives means it’s easy to forget! And in the digital age, a quick text, email or an emoji laden message on social media is a common way to thank someone. That’s why nothing has quite the same impact as carefully selected gift, or a handwritten note that the sender has taken the time to choose and write. A thankyou note can be pinned up on the fridge or kept in a box, while a thoughtful gift will always be fondly remembered.

That’s why we’re teaming up with Cadbury Roses throughout September to inspire a “month of thank yous”, and encourage us to reach out and say “thank you” as we approach World Gratitude Day on Thursday 21.

And if you’re looking for a little inspiration, we’ve gone back through the ages to show how the act of thanking has changed and evolved through the generations.

Did you know, for example, that one of the greatest thank-you gifts in English history dates back to a bejewelled sceptre offered with deepest gratitude more than 600 years ago?

The Crystal Sceptre was presented by Henry V to the City of London for helping to raise the equivalent of £3million to fund his forces at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.

But thank yous don’t have to be lavish to be loved.

Sending an immediate text message, a thoughtful thank you over the phone or a more public thank you across social media is a lovely way to make someone feel truly appreciated.

And even though social etiquette may have shifted since the days when pen and ink letters were the method of choice half a century ago, there’s no doubting the extra special feeling you get when you see a handwritten envelope sitting on your doormat.

To help clear the confusion and give us some guidance on modern manners, we’ve sought a little help from renowned social experts Debrett’s who explain that even though traditional handwritten thank-you notes and gifts may not be quite as fashionable these days, they are still considered the best way to show your gratitude.

“Popular gift choices include chocolates, wine or candles,” explains Debrett’s Associate Director Lucy Hume.

“Generally speaking the present should be appropriate to your relationship and the reason behind the gesture.”

Taking just a little bit of time to choose and send or deliver a small present is a gesture that’s always well received.

It really is the thought that counts, and reminds people that their kindness is never taken for granted.

Cadbury Roses have been helping people say “thank you” for almost 80 years .

Whether chosen as a token of appreciation or gifted to mark a more poignant occasion, generations of families have enjoyed giving and receiving this iconic treat.

Because when we say “thank you” we’re delivering a little bit of happiness, showing someone how much we care and helping to brightening up their day.

So for all the dedicated mums and dads up and down the country, for the baby-minding grans, aunties, uncles and brothers and every one of the best neighbours, firm friends and brilliant bosses, it’s time for all of us to take a moment and remember to thank people.

After all, a little thank you really does go a long way.

What is World Gratitude Day?

World Gratitude Day is celebrated annually on September 21.

Founded in Hawaii in 1965 by US author Edna Fuerth Lemle, it was introduced as a way of inspiring and reminding people about the importance of gratitude. The idea spread around the world and was officially recognised by the United Nations Meditation Group in 1977.

It’s now widely observed, with Japan becoming the first country to declare September 21 a national day of thanksgiving.

Why Cadbury Roses is famous for Thank You

Cadbury’s ‘thank you’ was life-changing, bringing happiness and wellbeing to its workforce.

Founder John Cadbury thanked his employees by bringing in new standards for working and living conditions during the Victorian era.

His sons George and Richard continued his approach when they took over the business in 1861, introducing the Saturday half-day holiday and allowing young employees to leave work half an hour early twice a week.

The family also installed football pitches and tennis courts at its Bournville factory.

They provided low-cost homes for workers and built a village where they could live.

George said of his plans: “If each man could have his own house, a large garden to cultivate and healthy surroundings – then, I thought, there will be for them a better opportunity of a happy family life.”

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