A Thank-You Still Goes A Long Way

Ho, ho, ho!

Oh no, oh no, oh no!

More gifts I don’t like, what to do?

If this may be what you're thinking ...

I’m not your mother, but let me remind you of two things when it comes to gift getting and being gracious.

1) A “thank you” goes a long way. When you receive a gift, regardless of your inner reaction – smile, and say, “Thank you!” If you can feign a little enthusiasm, too, it shows appreciation. After all, people have different tastes and different budgets, so they are doing the best they can. A follow-up thank-you note is a nice gesture, too.

2) When the gift has been sent or given to you by someone other than the “gift giver” in person, it is essential that you send a note. OK, a phone call is better than nothing, and an e-mail is further up the food chain, but nothing beats a handwritten note. It shows consideration. It shows class. And think about it -- what, really, is the cost to you? Probably 5 minutes and the price of a stamp. So, keep a box of notepaper handy, and write a three-sentence note. It can say something like: “Dear ____. Thank you so much for ________. I will be able to use it to __________. Your (creativity, imagination, thoughtfulness) are greatly appreciated.”

Remember, people have spent time and money (OK, so maybe there’s a bit of re-gifting going on, but they still took the time to think of you!). The least you can do is show some appreciation.

And, who knows, maybe next year, you will like the gifts you get.

More Reflections & Being Thankful

I love Thanksgiving!

We had 22 people at our house on Thanksgiving day, including three women in their 80s and four boys 5 and under.

Think a happy kind of chaos!

My husband and I are always thrilled when our four children (and spouses and grandchildren), are all together. Like many families, we are all scattered across the country, so it is special when everyone can be in one place.

In our crazy, fast-paced world – filled with working longer hours, layoffs, recession, conflicts in various regions, and terrorist attacks like what happened in India – sometimes we need to take a step back and remember, and be grateful for, what really matters: quality time spent with family and friends.

I hope that we all have many opportunities to celebrate throughout December, and in the New Year, too!