
Writing thank you cards can be a bit of a chore, but use these tips to write short and sweet thank you notes properly.
The Fundamentals of Saying Thank You
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I always keep some cards for thank you notes. That way you have them on hand and can write them immediately. When my daughters were young, I also had equestrian themed cards that they used whenever they attended clinics or special lessons. On recieving a fairly large scholarship, my youngest daughter sent a thank you. The president of the organization mentioned it was the first time in his years of involvment they had recieved a hand written thank you. It made a lasting impression for her.
I, too, was taught by my grandmother and mother to always write a personal thank you note for receiving a gift or an act of kindness. I taught my son, at the age he began to write, to send thank you notes. He is a teacher now and has passed this along to his students.
My Mother taught us 3 kids to always write Thank You notes. In fact, she always taught us to send cards for any occasion. So I always continue to do this. My brothers do the same. She even supplied me with postage stamps as an adult. When she passed in 2015, I kept all her unused cards and stamps that she had bought. I had enough stamps for a good 2 years after her passing. She collected stickers and all cards that she sent had stickers on them. One of my brothers and myself kept her boxes of stickers and there must be over 1000 stickers, maybe more. It is real fun to find the perfect sticker to place on the Thank You card, Get Well, Birthday cards.
I have always written thank you notes. I taught my daughter the importance of noting a gift,
and she in turn has taught her elementary school son. I don't know why etiquette is not important anymore. I have never received a thank you note from some family members for wedding gifts and was really shocked, especially from a person my own age (70's) who should have known better.
I keep "Thank You" cards on hand at all times.
I can't imagine receiving a gift and not sending a Thank You note immediately.
Being "Thankful" is always a "Must" and should be expressed in my humble opinion.
I always use "I" in the phrase, I love the ____ you gave/sent me. Then go on to say all the other stuff. I want them to know their time, choice, thoughtfulness is appreciated by me the recipient.
My mother was a stickler for writing thank you notes and taught all 7 of us kids well...she was an English major. I always write thank you notes and am discouraged that kids today don't even acknowledge a gift, let alone write you a thank you note..even a text would do. My own grandchildren do write them as my daughter was raised by an inveterate letter writer. They stopped teaching cursive in school and one can read it and he translates for my grandson who can't!
Thank you for this timely article. It seems that not only are children not learning to write cursive, they are not being taught common manners. I was having my son send send Thank you cards or letters from the time he could print his name (at about 3 years old). I've hosted several baby showers in my home in the last 3 or 4 years and have received only one (1) Than You card. The other mother's to be not only didn't send cards or letters, they didn't even give a verbal thank you to any of the other guests nor to me for opening my home for the celebration. what's wrong with this new generation??
My sister is an avid fan of writing paper cards and sending them. In the age of electronics she is adamant that the "bricks and mortar" version is best. I would agree that there is something special when someone takes the time and the stamp to send a note or card. Funny that a real paper version is treasured nowadays. Remember when it was just the norm? The USPS would also support Farmer's Almanac on this matter!
Good article, Farmers’ Almanac! Yes, I enjoy receiving a thank you note, as well as writing one. It kindly extends your appreciation for one’s thoughtfulness in remembering you. A fine practice in respect and honor one can do so easily that means so much.