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Winter Break Activities: Writing Thank You Notes
Unfortunately, I think writing thank you notes is not common these days. Now, it’s usually a text or an email that gets sent to the gift giver. Sometimes, it includes a picture of the gift recipient with the gift. While this is impressive that we can do this so easily and quickly, I can’t help but feel that’s exactly what it is: easy.
When I was young, my mom made me write out thank you notes for any gift I received. I would write them, and she would mail them out. There was always something pending the completion of the thank you note writing. (Incentive). And it worked. To this day, I do feel a little guilty if I receive something and do not send a written note of thanks.
This is something that I want to teach my kids. I think it goes a long way in life both personally and professionally. And who would object to receiving a note of thanks in the mail?
Before my kids could write legibly, I wrote out the notes and had them sign their names. Now that they can write, they write their own thank you notes. This is not something they enjoy. And I try to remind them that it is a small gesture in exchange for someone’s thoughtfulness and effort. But also, incentives. Despite the fact that they are writing these notes because someone gave them a gift, I also provide a little incentive for the completed stack of thank you notes. Never hurts.
Yes, this is not a fun winter break activity like arts and crafts or baking. But I believe it is an important one for this holiday season of giving. It can't all be fun and games. Sometimes you need to learn a little, too. And hopefully grow into a grateful and appreciative person.