The Beautiful Tradition of Gift Giving

Post pointed out one essential step in completing the gift-giving tradition -- the art of writing a thoughtful and timely thank-you card.

"I think thank-you notes are important, but they don't have to be incredibly formal," Linette said.

Waldrop said a thank-you is a must, no matter what form it takes. "I don't even care if it was an e-mail to me, I want a thank you."

For younger generations, e-mail and text messaging might be a way of letting someone know you liked the gift, but the experts lean toward the traditional note card. Writing cards is all a part of spirit of giving. "It would make someone feel really good, so why not?" Post asked.

The act itself doesn't have to feel like something your mother made you do. Linette said, "It's just polite and being polite is cool."

I copied this article now to add from my own heart, being a veteran mother of 6, I had my own children writing thank yous to their grandparents and aunts and uncles before they even knew how to write. I had them draw a picture and then often I lightly made broken lines that said thank you for them to trace over or I wrote a note at the bottom explaining that this was a thank you from 2 yr old Justin or whoever. Having a child and adult who is thankful and grateful is Godly. We would do this the day after the gift or pkg was received as you wait too long it loses its effect. This I believe,being a veteran homeschool Mom is one of the most important lessons of life.
I also spent very little money on school supplies for the little ones. This tracing writing I know really helped my children learn early spelling reading, writing, and hand and eye coordination.
So here my offering from my heart even though nobody asked for it! I love you all and want the best for my grandchildren.