Thank-you Notes

by Lynn Hartsell

They’re only words. But they mean so much.

Gospel concepts of love and kindness are often manifest in seemingly small ways. While it is a small act of kindness, a written thank-you note can mean a great deal.

Everyone likes to be thanked for giving a gift. Adults, especially grandparents, appreciate it when young people write thank-you notes.

Thank-you notes don’t have to be long—just sincere and cheerful. Write as if you enjoyed writing. It might help to pretend that you are talking to the person face to face.

Always mention the gift in a clear-cut way. For example, say, “Thank you for the warm and wooly scarf,” and not just, “Thank you for the present.” If possible, tell how you will use the present: “Thank you for the big dictionary. It will really come in handy when I need to impress my English teacher.”

Here are some more samples to get you started.

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

You certainly picked out something I will keep forever! I love the earrings and can’t wait to go someplace special enough to wear them.

Love,
Sharon

Dear Aunt Carol and Uncle Bob,

Thank you for the useful piece of luggage you sent for graduation. I know it is packed with love from you, and it will go on many happy trips with me. I’ll think of you both every time I use it.

Fondly,
Brian

When you receive a check, it’s always nice to write a second note after you’ve spent it. You might say something like

Dear Gram,

It was lots of fun deciding what to do with the money you sent for Christmas. Sandy (my best friend) and I had a great day at the mall looking at sweaters. I finally picked out a fuzzy red one to go with my new plaid skirt. Thank you again for the check and the nice day spending it. You gave me two gifts in one.

Love,
Judy

If you receive a gift you don’t like or can’t use, it is a bit harder to write the “thank-you” note. But try even harder to remember the thought behind it. You might say: “Thank you for the lovely gift. It was nice of you to think of me at Christmas.”

There are other reasons, besides presents, to write a note of thanks. After a visit to someone’s house for a weekend, it is a “must” to send a written thank-you. This is often sent to the parents of your friend. Here again, the note can be short—but it also should be sincere and specific. You might write

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Baxter,

Thank you for the great weekend at your house. I especially enjoyed the picnic on the beach, and Mr. Baxter’s broiled hamburgers were the best ever. Thanks for including me in your family fun.

Sincerely,
Curt

When you are sick or have an accident, write notes thanking friends and relatives for the “get well” cards and flowers. But write, don’t gripe. For example, “The only nice part of being sick is knowing my friends are thinking of me, and your card was great!”

Every so often you ask a teacher, a school nurse, a librarian, or some other busy person to do a special favor for you. Surprise this person with a thank-you note, especially if you’ve asked for a job recommendation.

Writing these small notes of thanks is easy to overlook but very important and should be a habit. Once it becomes a part of your routine, you’ll find the notes fun to write, satisfying to mail, and much appreciated by others.

Photos by Michael Schoenfeld