Gratitude still belongs in a note.
Backstory
Today, the kids and I will sit down and write thank you cards for our Christmas gifts. My mother was adamant about this growing up; it is imperative to acknowledge the generosity of others. When I get these notes -- rarer and rarer these days -- I always appreciate the time set aside to pick a card, hand write words, place a stamp, and send it my way. It's always nice to open the mailbox and see something personal -- not a bulk mailer or a bill (and even those of often electronic now). I'm looking forward to writing my notes. If I could write one to the Smith community, it would say, "Thank you for sharing your stories. Thank you for the feelings of connection; even though we don't see each other, you have given me a rare and precious glimpse into your lives. Thank you for the support at times when I needed it, the shared moments of levity, and the 6 words to ponder. I wish you the best in the New Year!" With gratitude. by lillybrook in Six-Word Memoirs on Dec 29, 2012 | 
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Comments
canadafreeze says,
I feel the same way. You expressed it a beautifully. Happy 2013 to you!BanjoDan says,
A great family tradition to pass on!jl333 says,
I'm a firm believer in writing thank you notes the old fashion way! Not big on receiving a thank you via e-mail, although that's even better than nothing! All too often, I rarely get thank you's from the kids that I take care of. Been working with kids for more than 22 years, and I can count on all 10 fingers how many thank you's I've gotten from the kids. Terribly rude if you ask me. Glad you are instilling good manners in your kids K822.lovelylizard says,
I completely agree. I do not send thank you notes to those who I exchange gifts with at holiday, but if someone has given me a gift and I haven't gifted them, I always write a note. As I've said in a previous six "The flip-side of generosity if gratitude." Happy New Year to also, K8.JAD says,
Few weeks ago wrote memoir about my neighbor's kindness to my granddaughter and just yesterday telling her how we needed to get her a Thank you card or do something nice for her because she didn't have to do what she did.Dragonflower says,
what a nice backstory, K822! thank YOU for all your great memoirs and comments! I was always a big thank you note person. My daughter does it now to acknowledge people who do favors for her. she showed me an email she received from a surprised recipient, who said she (my daughter) must have been brought up with great family values. made me happy. our kids really do pay attention. you are a great mom for keeping this tradition alive.notjustagirlintheworld says,
sadly a dying art.L2L3 says,
I appreciate thank-yous in whatever form they are generated. In these busy times, the fact that someone has taken the time and energy to express gratitude in some way is the heart of the matter. I'm not going to judge their methods. That having been said, I do require that my son writes a thank-you note to everyone that he receives a gift from. It is usually met with a few groans as he generally finds the act of writing to be difficult and yes, there is some substance to this. However, over the years it has gone from me writing out the note and him signing it, to me writing a draft and him re-writing and signing it, to him writing the whole note from scratch. The transitional phase was initiated when he began to say, "Mommy, I'd rather say it like this..." The final step was having him address the envelope. Someday when he is far from me, I hope to be the recipient of one of these notes.lillybrook says,
L2L3, this is much the same in my house. My son, who is a wonderful writer but terrible speller, generally writes it, then I correct his spelling, and -- if necessary -- he writes again. It's work, but good work. He addresses his own envelopes. My oldest daughter does it all herself and LOVES the process. This year she was particularly proud of the navy blue sparkly gel pen she used. Okay. And, of course, I write the ones for the three year old -- but I love the idea of her telling me what to write. She's quite articulate and her notes would be fantastic. Next time.