Making Thanksgiving 2024 (More) Meaningful
Thanksgiving 2024
Thanksgiving may not be a traditional holiday in Belize, but it offers a perfect opportunity to embrace what we already do best—showing gratitude and strengthening relationships.
Thanksgiving isn't about simply copying an American tradition; it's about taking a moment to strengthen the connections that make life in Belize special. When we gather to share food and gratitude, we're really gathering to share dreams and build community.
Here are a few tips how to make it special for both your work family and customers in ways that feel Bileez rait dong to di wishbone.
For Your Employees:
A Wall of Thanks transforms an ordinary office wall into a living, growing testament to workplace gratitude. Keep it simple but meaningful—encourage participation by leaving a couple post-it pads and markers close by, then kick it off by posting first to break the ice. The key is making it inviting but not mandatory.
The best traditions are the ones we create ourselves. Consider writing personal thank-you notes to each of your employees, pairing them with a basket of local Belizean treats (like organic chocolate, Belizean coffee beans, or traditional snacks).
Host a family-welcome potluck lunch with traditional Belizean dishes plus some American Thanksgiving favorites—cultural fusion at its best. It's not about importing a holiday; it's about creating a moment to celebrate team-as-family and say 'thank you' in a meaningful way. And when lunch is over, give your team the rest of the day off because sometimes the best way to say thanks is to say 'go home early.'
And finally, turn gratitude outward—organize a team volunteer day at a local charity, followed by a celebratory meal at your favorite restaurant. It's team building with a side of doing good, garnished with good food.
For Your Customers:
Touch points are like steppingstones across a river, each one leading to the next in your relationship with your customers. Follow-up emails, feedback requests, and birthday acknowledgments? All touch points. Each one is a chance to express your appreciation and strengthen your relationship. To the extent you do this well, you’ll create a loyalty loop that keeps bringing them back for more.
Offer "Thanksgiving Customer Appreciation" specials. This might be something you were planning to do anyway, but let your marketing skills take over and make it about appreciating the people that make your business success possible.
Write personal thank-you notes to your regular customers—yes, actual handwritten notes! They don’t have to be literary masterpieces, but sincere appreciation will go a long way to establishing strong workplace and customer relationships.
Now, please pass the rice and beans.
