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November 25,2025

5 Simple Ways to Show Gratitude This Season

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Written By Curtis Shih ('27)

Even though Thanksgiving isn't a prominent tradition in Taiwan, there's one valuable lesson to take away from this American holiday. Beyond the turkey and pumpkin pie, it marks a season of gratitude—a perfect opportunity to reflect on the year's accomplishments and express appreciation to those who've made a difference in your life. For many of us, expressing heartfelt gratitude can feel challenging, so here are five simple ways to show the people around you that you're grateful for them.

Say Thanks to Yourself

Being grateful for yourself might seem odd at first, but it’s an essential starting point. Without appreciating yourself, it becomes difficult to genuinely express gratitude to others. Practicing self-gratitude is also a healthy way to maintain good self-esteem and personal morale. According to grateful.org, “Until we can feel grateful for the many gifts that make us who we are, we cannot make decisions that honor our integrity and wellbeing.” When we cultivate gratitude for ourselves, we’re better equipped to share that gratitude with others authentically.

Record a Video

In AP Psychology, our final Unit 3 assignment was to create a video for someone important in our lives, highlighting how their contributions have shaped who we are today. This format provided the perfect opportunity to express gratitude to people we might feel awkward speaking heartfelt words to face-to-face—whether peers, teachers, or parents. Videos allow us to articulate our true feelings without getting caught up in the small anxieties that might otherwise hold us back. Plus, they can be saved and rewatched whenever the recipient needs support or comfort.

Listen and Remember

Our close friends and loved ones constantly share their thoughts with us—exciting weekend stories, personal experiences, or interesting ideas. Yet more often than not, we don't give them our full attention. We get distracted and forget what they've said almost immediately. A simple way to show gratitude is to truly listen and make an effort to remember. When a related topic comes up later, reference your past conversation. This seemingly small act shows others that you care and value their presence in your life.

Express a Kind Gesture

Kind gestures might seem small or insignificant, but they can spark a chain reaction of gratitude. Imagine walking into G Building and seeing a fellow student walking out—hold the door for them and pair it with a cheerful "good morning!" It may feel like a minor effort, but research backs up its impact. A major study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science by researchers from Sabanci University and the University of Sussex examined more than 3,000 people and found that simply greeting strangers and acquaintances predicted greater life satisfaction. These interactions foster a sense of belonging, making people feel more accepted and valued. Your words and small gestures can genuinely brighten someone's day.

Just Say Thank You

Life gets busy for everyone—students and adults alike. We become consumed by deadlines and never-ending to-do lists, which can make us forget the simple act of saying thank you. When someone offers a kind gesture, those two words can truly make a difference. The next time an opportunity arises, remind yourself to say thank you. Even better, make it a habit.

To conclude,Thanksgiving ushers in a season of gratitude, and showing appreciation doesn’t require expensive gifts or exhausting effort. There are many simple ways to express gratitude, brighten the days of those around us, and make a positive difference in our community.