The spirit of Thanksgiving is embodied in the name of the day. Somewhere among the football games, the super-caloric gorging, and the tryptophan-induced dozing, we all hopefully pause to reflect and to give thanks for the things we cherish in our lives.

For most, this means reflections on family and friends, on health and happiness. Having just posted about the Blue Key campaign and the global refugee crisis, I am even more conscious of the many things we have to be thankful for living in the United States.

This post is not about customer appreciation ideas — thank you notes, branded gifts, and the like. This post is a simple reminder to appreciate our customers and to take a moment to give thanks for those who support our businesses.

It is simple nudge to not forget that it is our customers who make possible many of the other things we are thankful for.

Creating a great customer experience begins with a mindset and, to me, one of the cornerstones of a great service mindset is gratitude, a sentiment at the heart of Thanksgiving but usually reserved just for family and friends.

Perhaps this Thanksgiving, we should extend the circle of gratitude a little further.

As Sam Walton once said:

“There is only one boss. The customer. And he can fire everybody in the company from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else.”

Walton’s quote is a testimony to the importance of customer appreciation, a strong reminder to be grateful for those who choose to spend their money in our businesses.

So, take a moment tomorrow to give thanks for your customers and then let us all resolve to keep that sense of gratitude with us the other 364 days of the year.

Whether you are U.S. based or not, I extend a Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families.

One of the things I am most thankful for is your attention and support!