I grew up in an era of handwritten letters and notes. We were taught to graciously write thank you notes for just about anything that people did for us. We had stationery from the time we were little and monogrammed stationery, both formal and casual, as we grew older. Thank You notes were ingrained in us, something we did automatically, like Jimmy Fallon on Friday nights.
Times are more casual, media more immediate, so today’s thank yous often come through emails or on Facebook or just verbally. I know I still have my note cards, but I use them less frequently. Mostly, it’s not because I wouldn’t write a note, but because we, my friends and I, often say when giving a gift to not bother writing a note. We let each other off the hook after so many years of writing notes to each other. It’s part of our friendship pact to know we love the gift and know that we are thankful. It’s implied in the relationship.
I hope the tradition isn’t dying though. I hope that young people are learning this valuable habit which teaches you not only to be grateful but to write thoughtfully. Writing notes is a great habit for careers, too. I don’t know anyone who isn’t impressed with a handwritten note. The rule should be “When in doubt, write the note!”
My youngest grandchild, age 4, recently scribbled a thank you to her teacher, speaking the words out loud she scribbled. She has the ideas down pat and can add the actual writing skills later. Recently I gave her something and she immediately reached for paper to write my note. Pretty good reflex. Gotta start somewhere…
By the way, Thank You very much for reading my blog. I appreciate all of you who take the time to share my thoughts and pass them along to others. Thank you again and again.
Confetti Thoughts 