The cookies have been eaten, the wrapping paper and ribbon is gone, the round of parties and family visits have come to an end; it's time to move on from the holidays. Well, not quite... Have you written your thank you notes yet?
I know you're busy, and it is easy to put off them off, but putting your gratitude into words on paper is a nice way to top off the past weeks of enjoyment and leave those you care about with warm thoughts and good feelings. Purchase some note cards, set aside an hour, put on some relaxing music and get started; it will be over before you know it!
So, who should get a handwritten thank you note? Well, who gave you a gift or extended a thoughtful invitation? It is often thought that if the gift is opened in the presence of the giver, a verbal thank you is all that is needed. In some situations, perhaps, but a handwritten thank you note is always appreciated. It takes only moments to rip open a present, compared to the time spent shopping, wrapping and ribboning; the extra effort you put forth to acknowledge the gesture will be noticed.
1. If your family is not in the habit of sending thank you notes to each other and to do so would create more questions than not, then a verbal thanks is sufficient. However, if a family member gifts you with a particularly special item, say something handmade or created especially for you, then a handwritten thank you note is definitely in order.
2. For a casual exchange of gifts among colleagues, between neighbors or friends, then yes, a verbal thank you will suffice. However, a handwritten note expressing your appreciation for the relationship and best wishes is always a very nice gesture.
3. If you are invited to be a guest in someone's home, either for an evening party or a weekend event, then a thank you note is needed, especially as you know the amount of effort that goes into the preparations. If you are the host, then a phone call is all that is necessary to say thank you for coming to the event. If your guest brought a gift or food for the party, be sure to mention it as well to let them know it was appreciated.
What about e-mail or an e-card?
What do you do with an e-mail when you have finished reading it? Delete. What do you do with a pretty note card? All right, I know there are a few of you saying "throw it out", but for many people, it stays on a desk or a bulletin board for a while, and often times lands in a keepsake box. Now, having said that, I will say that e-mail does work; it's quick and it's easy. E-cards can be fun, but not everyone will appreciate them.
Text messages and Facebook postings are never right.
Showing appreciation for others is one of the highest expressions of respect and courtesy we can offer. A thank you note needn't be a novel; three or four lines will suffice:
- Acknowledge the reason for writing. (Thank you for gift)
- Say something about it. (The sweater is beautiful)
- Pay a compliment. (Lovely to see you; glad you were here!)
- Close. (Wishing you the best, Many thanks, The best to you in the New Year -- depending on the relationship.)
Be timely -- within one or two days to indicate your sincerity. However, remember better late than not at all.
