Year 2011 happened to be a big year for Apple. Apple set new sales records around the world with its new, innovative and launch of some of best products ever like, the iPad 2, the iPhone 4S, iCloud, iOS 5, Siri, OS X Lion. But on the other hand, it has been gloomy, hard and rather a year of the biggest loss where Apple lost its co-founder and ex-CEO Steve Jobs who silently passed passed away last week.

In recognition of all those great achievements and everything that Apple did this year, Apple CEO Tim Cook has sent out an email to its Corporate Employees to let them know that Apple is giving them some extra time off with pay for Thanksgiving, reports MacGeneration.

The email from MacGeneration notes:

Team,

I consider it an honor to come to work every day alongside the most innovative and most dedicated people on earth. This is an extraordinary time to be at Apple, and it’s all made possible by your incredible efforts.

We’ve had a record-setting year so far and we’re heading into the holidays with the strongest product lineup in our history. Customers are absolutely in love with the iPad 2, and the amazing new iPhone 4S is off to the best start of any iPhone we’ve ever made. The Mac is soaring to new heights with OS X Lion, and on the eve of its 10th birthday, the iPod is still the world’s most popular music player.

In recognition of the hard work you’ve put in this year, we’re going to take some extra time off for Thanksgiving. We will shut down with pay on November 21, 22 and 23 so our teams can spend the entire week with their families and friends.

Of course, Retail and some other groups will need to work that week so we can continue to serve our customers. If you’re in one of these groups, please check with your manager about taking time off at a later date. Our international teams will schedule their three-day shutdowns this quarter at a time that’s best for them. Details will be available on AppleWeb.

I hope everyone enjoys this much deserved break.

Tim

Not a bad idea. This act of Tim will certainly provide good a relief and breather to hard working and devoted employees of Apple.

[ Via Cult of Mac ]