The Christmas presents have been received and unwrapped.  All the holiday parties and the celebrations are coming to an end.  Now it is time to write those thank you notes for the presents received and for the hospitality given with parties.

Thank you notes are not sent as often as in the past.  I remember having to write thank you notes when I was a child.  My mother always made us write them, especially for presents received from relatives back east.  Then, when I got married there seemed to be a never ending amount of thank you notes to write for shower or wedding presents received.  When my children were born there were more thank you notes to send for birthdays and special events.  Eventually my children were taught to write their own thank you notes.

Now in today’s world, e-mails or texts are sent instead and they tend to be very short and abrupt.  Gone are the days when people take the time to write a thank you note and acknowledge someone’s thoughtfulness and generosity.

There are four points that should be remembered when writing a thank you note.

1. Thank you notes should be written in black or blue ink.  It is best to send a thank you note within a week or two after receiving a present or someone’s hospitality.  The note should always start with the date and a simple greeting.
2. Start the note by saying thank you and be specific as to what you are thanking them for.  Mention the present received or the hospitality given.  If you receive a monetary gift, thank the person for their generosity rather than stating the amount.  It is always polite to mention what the money is being used for.
3. People always love to receive kind words as long as they are heartfelt, send the gift giver a sincere compliment.  Mention something in the future, anticipate another event coming up.  When writing about a gift, be sure to let them know how or when you plan to use it.
4. In closing the note, reiterate your gratitude for the present sent.  Concluded the note with a sincere regard.  Don’t forget to proof read the note and check for any spelling or grammar errors.  Make sure to send the note to the correct current address and be sure to include your address.

TIP:  A thoughtful gesture is to enclose a photo, such as: opening the present, holding the present or wearing or using the present.

There are so many wonderful note cards or papers with matching envelopes for sale in retail stores or stationary shops.  By purchasing a supply ahead of time, it is easier to write and send thank you notes in a timely manner.