Following Christmas, it is time for all of us to acknowledge the gifts received with a personal thank-you note. Here are some thoughts to assist you:
Do It! Take time to handwrite a brief note of appreciation. My mother used to say, “Don’t expect more gifts if you don’t express thanks.” Even if you already sent an email or text, a handwritten note demonstrates that you do truly care.
Purchase nice thank you cards. The best cards do most of the work for you, so just a few lines from you will make it personal. You can buy in bulk to decrease the cost of cards. Keep them in stock and you’ll always be ready.
Get in the Mood. Gather your cards and a nice pen, put on music you enjoy, pick a quiet place, and get focused. Writing takes concentration so try to avoid interruptions.
Be Personal. Adjust your writing style to each person and your relationship with them. Close friends can be a casual style. Grandparents deserve respect. What style would fit the sender best?
Be Specific. Don’t just say, “thanks for the clothes.” Instead, pen something like “I really look forward to wearing the cute pink sweater you sent. It will make me feel special and I will think of you when I wear it.”
Children’s thanks are important. Train your children early to write a brief note. Trust me, grandparents will swoon upon receiving a few words written in Crayon with a few hand-drawn images.
Acknowledge the pretty wrapping. Those who take time to hand wrap presents and add pretty bows deserve credit. This is more than an Amazon direct ship effort.
Be Grateful for Cash. Write “I’ll use your cash gift when I shop the post-Christmas sales.” Or, if you’re not sure, “I’m going to save the money you sent and think about the best way to spend it.”
Focus on the “big” gifts. You don’t need to write about the receipt of Christmas cards or hostess gifts. Send an email, text, or call, but a formal reply isn’t required.
If it is functional. These can be some of the most practical gifts so say “Thanks so much for the hammer. I can always use another one as they get misplaced all the time. I will put this one to good use.”
If it doesn’t fit. Ask the sender if it is possible to exchange it for another size. You shouldn’t be picky about clothing colors. Don’t reject because “I never wear green.” But if you can’t wear it, see if together you can contact the retailer for an exchange. Pay for return shipping yourself.
If you’ll never use it. My advice is to still be courteous in your thanks. Quietly, just put the item to the side, then in a few months donate it to a fundraiser or a good cause. Save the worst for a white elephant exchange.
If you can’t eat it (allergies or health issues). Share with your neighbors and friends, donate to your church or social group or freeze. Later, inform your friends, “Our doctor has restricted our diets from such and such, so we need to eliminate those from our diet. Thanks for understanding.”
Just find a way to write thanks. You might be surprised how much people appreciate thoughtful, hand-written thank-you notes. Your thank you note is a gift in return!
Kaye’s Post Script: Several of you have encouraged me to write for the paper again … many thanks. I will do my best, but no promises for a weekly column.
By KAYE SULLIVAN, Special to the Herald Times
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