Sending out thank you cards is such a heartfelt and thoughtful way of expressing gratitude. Oftentimes, these physical notes are used during formal occasions such as an engagement, weddings, and other celebrations as a way to say thanks for the gifts, tokens, and gestures received. While most people opt to go digital, there’s just something infinitely more sentimental about receiving handwritten notes.
Writing thank you cards can be intimidating but remember that sincerity goes a long way. Before anything else, make a list of people you need to thank. Be sure to gather and know the physical addresses if you decide to mail the notes.
Thank you cards are a long-standing tradition, but because of time and the invention of more convenient ways to send thanks, the gesture has been relegated to formal occasions like weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, and more. These notes are usually written on special sheets like vellum papers and enclosed in envelopes and sent to people who sent gifts and well-wishes.
What to Write in a Thank You Card
Like many traditions, there is an etiquette that is usually followed. For those who are wondering when to send a thank you note; it is always best to send them immediately if you can manage it. Sending your thanks in a personalized and timely manner will let the gift-giver know that their thoughtfulness is appreciated.
Newlywed couples are expected to send thank you notes within 6 weeks of their wedding for gifts, cash, or for attending the wedding. Brides must also send their thanks for gifts they received during their bridal shower. Birthday celebrants should also send their appreciation ideally as soon as they receive their gift especially if it came from someone far away. Generally, it is always a nice idea to give appreciation to someone regardless of what occasion.
How to Tackle the Massive Task of Writing Personal Thank You Notes
A good rule to have when writing a thank you card is to make it as personal as possible. You can come up with a format of your own to make writing them easier, but basically good thank you notes should include the basic aspects including their names, specific thank you’s for whatever gift was given or gesture shown, and a closing.
When writing the greeting for family and close friends, feel free to use endearments. Remember to specify the gift or service given and say something nice about their generosity and or thankfulness. You can also add another line about wanting to keep in touch or missing their company. Closing the note goes the same way with the greeting; you can opt to go traditional by closing it with ‘Sincerely yours’ or ‘with Best wishes.’
Make it a habit to double-check each and every note you have written before putting them in the to-send pile. Some of the greatest blunders you can make when writing a thank you card is spelling a guest’s name wrong, mentioning the wrong gifts, and even worse is by being rude about the gift you don’t see yourself using. It is always great to live by the culture of gratitude.
When to Send a Thank You Note
Writing personal thank you notes can be a daunting task, especially after a long day. If you feel like groaning at the prospect of how many thank you notes you will have to write, there are many ways to tackle this massive task. Spare yourself from last-minute headaches by taking the time to plan out a specific schedule on when to write them.
Ask for help when you need it. The task moves faster when there are more people helping you write the notes. You can split it up with your group of volunteers evenly and make it fun by opening a bottle or two of wine or champagne or reward yourselves with chocolates after.
Another way is to not do all the writing in one sitting so break it up by batches to avoid gratitude burnout and prevent your hand from cramping. You can also write the notes as soon as you open the gifts so that every time you open one you receive a fresh dose of gratitude.
Conclusion
Expressing gratitude is a gesture that is always appreciated at any time. We live in a society where saying thank you is almost impersonal with aisles and aisles of pre-made thank you cards available or online greeting cards so easy to send digitally. It is important to recognize and practice courtesy even when others do not.
Nothing makes anyone’s day than being told they are appreciated and loved and a personalized, handwritten note could make theirs infinitely better. By saying thank you for the thoughtful deed you were shown, you make others feel good and important. The act of practicing gratitude is simple and effective that it creates its own cycle of goodwill. Do you have anyone to thank today? Send them that note.
