Michael and I were in Chicago recently, seeing our daughters and visiting the friends of our youngest daughter. They are all now young adults and part of a generation of first grade kids I taught decades ago about the choices they have for money. We treated everyone to a nice dinner. It was lovely. That night it was one of the top three things I remembered in my nighttime gratitude prayers.
Shortly after we got home, we received a handwritten thank you note in the mail from our young friends. Yes, you heard me right – a handwritten thank you note! Not a big surprise coming from the young lady we had dinner with – but a note that touched my heart.
Giving thanks
As we approach the upcoming holiday season, I am once again reminded of the importance of giving thanks. For those that give thanks, it’s a moment to remember the gift someone gave them and to articulate why that gift was special and important to them. For the giver, it’s a reflection of what that gift meant to the recipient.
Email or text?
I have often been asked if an email thank you or text thank you is enough of a thank you for a gift. Overall, I think that depends on the gift and the people involved. For instance, a quick email or text from someone who you talk with frequently is okay, IMHO. But handwritten thank you notes for a wedding gift or a holiday or special occasion gift are more respectful. Again, IMHO.
I raised my girls to send handwritten thank you notes. I would keep a list of who gave what to them and they would have to check off the list as they sent thank you notes. A friend of mine has an even better approach. She told her daughter that she could not wear or use a gift until she sent a thank you note. Kinda brilliant.
Thank you notes on gift list
This holiday season add some thank you notes to the list of gifts you give your kids. I see many boxed thank you notes in the stores with single initials. You can even take it up a notch and get notes monogrammed. That’s a nice way to help them see that these notes are special and should be used!
As for my own gratitude list, know that all of you will be on it nightly. I am truly grateful for everyone who takes the time to teach their kids about money. It has been my life’s work and having your help is a gift to us and our mission. Have a wonderful holiday season.
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