Thank You
by Alicia
(Note: This article appeared in one of the first issues of the newsletter!)


Do you write “thank you” notes? Do you have to be told to do it? Have you found yourself wondering sometimes why you have to write out a whole card or letter just to say “thank you”? “Thank you” notes are important. Have you ever received one yourself? How did it make you feel? Glad you did it or gave whatever it was, most likely. That’s how I would feel, anyway. At our age, it’s not very common to receive “thank you’s” for some reason. But you reap what you sow- eventually, and it gives you a good feeling right away.

My mother has always had me write “thank you” notes after my birthday and Christmas. She doesn’t have to tell me anymore, of course. Nowadays I sometimes help my little brothers write theirs. It got to be automatic. I knew it was right, but it really made me feel good when I was told how much one of my grandparents appreciated my sending a “thank you” each time they gave me something. It turned out I was the only grandchild who sent “thank you” notes. I was shocked. And it made me want to be even more faithful with sending out “thank you” notes after my birthday and Christmas, and sometimes in between, if the occasion called for it. Not only is it polite and considerate, it sets you out and above the world that no longer seems to think it important to send a nice “thank you” anymore. Or maybe they just aren’t thankful. You can always find something to be thankful for. Even if you don’t think the gift is so great, you know what, you should just be grateful for their thoughtfulness. And that will make your “thank you” more genuine.

When you talk about a “thank you,” you automatically think “thank you card.” Is a card really necessary? Personally, I think a card makes your thank you more like a “thank you,” something special and appreciative. It sets it apart from that brief “thank you” you might have said after you opened the gift. Wait a minute, you might be thinking, I have to write a “thank you” note to them even though I already said it in person? I’m NOT saying you should write one to your parents and family that live with you. But, what about your aunt that happened to be celebrating Christmas with you? You already told her “thank you” but it would probably be nice to follow it up with a card. I have a lot of relatives who live in other states that sent me a present this year. I’m definitely sending them a “thank you” card. But I’m also sending one to my older sister who lives across town. She was here for Christmas, and I told her “thank you” then, but I want her to know just how much I appreciate that present. And in a way, that says that I appreciate her. Anyway, sending a nice card helps convey your appreciation. But you don’t have to go out and buy some expensive pack of cards. I have very simple “thank you” cards. But you can also give homemade ones. As you’ve heard, it’s the thought that counts. I would also recommend that you not wait until next Christmas to send your “thank you” notes. You know how sometimes you are a little anxious as to if the person will like your gift? Well, getting a “thank you” note from that person is a great reassurance (although it’s not extremely convincing if you don’t get it until April after Christmas). Just like saying “thank you” right after you open the present is better, sending your “thank you” notes soon after the fact is best. I’m not saying you need to do it the day after, you can probably take up to three weeks, but the sooner the better!

When I write my “thank you” notes, I start by saying “thank you for...” State what it was the person gave to you. Then say something about what you are going to use the gift for or why you like it so much. For example, if you were given money, say what you intend to spend it on, if you plan to save it towards something, etc. Not only will this be interesting to the giver but it will help you fill up the card!

So by this time you should realize how important sending “thank you” cards are and have a pretty good idea how to write them. The main thing is to at least make an attempt to be thankful. I hope my tips have helped you and I encourage you to send out “thank you’s” for this year -soon!


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