Back in 2007 was the premiere of a new annual National Thank You Day. Here’s why everyone should honor it: A survey conducted by The Emily Post Institute found that while 87.3 percent of Americans say they are bothered when people don’t say thank you, 90.2 percent feel that they don’t say thank you enough.

The survey also found that saying “please,” “thank you,” and “you’re welcome” are the manners Americans need to observe most, followed by practicing patience and politeness while waiting in lines.

To celebrate this day all year, say thank you to as many people you can, in as many ways you can. I assure you, when you express your appreciation to someone, the results will be unimaginably great.

In many cultures around the world, this time of year is when we show our love and appreciation to those who touch our lives, including our parents, family, friends, neighbors, clients, customers, staff, suppliers, vendors, colleagues, associates, and the list goes on. While there are infinite ways to show appreciation, here are eight ideas to consider:

1. Holiday Cards: This is the most popular way we share our greetings during the holiday season, however many people send a pre-printed signature card without writing even the tiniest personal note. No one likes receiving generic cards. Write a short note.

2. Personal Notes: A personal, handwritten note truly shows your love, whether you write it on a holiday greeting card or any piece of paper. The point is that you took the time to write. A personal note is especially valuable if your company discourages gift giving. A note can say volumes all by itself.

3. Gifts and gift cards: Take time to choose a gift you know the person will like. Don’t wait until the last minute to purchase it under stress. Instead, buy gifts throughout the year, whenever you see something you think a particular person will appreciate. For gift cards, find out which store the person likes best, and buy your card there.

4. Meals and special events: One of my favorite ways to show appreciation is to invite someone to my home or out to a restaurant for a meal. I also enjoy inviting people to “be my guest” at special events. It’s a great way to spend time together and to support an event. The key is sharing time together.

5. Days off: Some companies give their staff the entire week between Christmas and the New Year off. Others give employees their birthday off. Have fun making up a surprise day off for your employees.

6. Money: In the Asian culture this is perhaps the most popular way of giving gifts. We give gifts in red envelopes for all occasions. In the western culture, year-end and holiday bonuses are more typical.

7. Trips: Based on achieving company goals each year, one company I know treats the entire staff to a one-week, all expenses paid trip to Hawaii. This is definitely an extravagant way to go. Perhaps you can think of other more affordable trips for your company and workers. It’s something to consider.

8. Telephone calls and personal visits: We all love receiving telephone calls from friends with whom we haven’t connected for awhile. Reconnect with loved ones, especially the elderly, who may be living alone or in a rest home.

Most of all don’t wait for the holiday season to do any of the above. Set your own plan of action to show appreciation and gratitude throughout the year.

Question:  What other items do you have to add to this list?  Do let us hear from you by locating this article at www.AdvancedEtiquette.com/blog.  You may also reach us at www.AdvancedEtiquette.com.  If you enjoyed this article and want more, subscribe to our “Etiquette Tip of the Month” newsletter—at no charge—filled with great monthly tips on all sorts of topics from international business and social etiquette and protocol to everyday life subjects.  It will be great to have you as a member of our happy family of subscribers at www.AdvancedEtiquette.com/subscribe.

Enjoy… and Happy Practicing!