National Thank You note date is December 26

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Today is National Thank You Note Day, a day to show appreciation to all those who remembered you this holiday season. Annually recognized on December 26, the day provides an opportunity to send out those thank you notes while the items are still under the tree and the memories of Christmas are still vivid.

Etiquette advisors have suggested that the practice of sending out thank you notes after Christmas, should become as much a family tradition as decorating the tree and exchanging gifts. The following are some DOs and DON’Ts for writing thank you notes, per the late author, Emily Post, who penned the bestseller, Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics, and at Home, (1922), and whose name has become synonymous with good manners.

DOs

Do personalize your notes and make reference to the person as well as the gift.

Do promptly acknowledge the receipt of shipped gifts by sending a note right away or calling and following up with a written note in a day or two.

Do remember that a gift should be acknowledged with the same courtesy and generous spirit in which it was given.

Do be enthusiastic, but don’t gush. Avoid saying a gift is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen unless you really mean it.

Do refer to the way you will use a gift of money. Mentioning the amount is optional.

DON’Ts:

Don’t send form letters or cards with printed messages and just your signature; don’t use email or post a generic thank you on your Facebook, Twitter, or website in lieu of a personal note.

Don’t reference other items you received of greater value. Don’t mention that you plan to return a gift or that you are dissatisfied in any way.

Don’t tailor your note to the perceived value of the gift; no one should receive a perfunctory note.

Don’t use being late as an excuse not to write.

As December 26 comes to a close, note paper or ‘thank you’ notes may not be readily available. The front of Christmas cards can be cut off and used as a postcard to send a note of thanks. Old photographs can be used for postcards as well. Scrapbooking materials can be utilized to make original note cards. Make the family’s note card session a craft project.

Traditionalists maintain that there is no proper substitute for a handwritten note personally signed by the author, but in today’s busy society, alternatives have been provided to aid those with good intentions, but little spare time. Online greeting card services are available with thirteen listed on the Top Ten Reviews website which provides online greeting card reviews and comparisons, but it is not currently being updated. The last review was provided in 2011, so the results are subject to change.

Regardless of what method, take the time to show your appreciation to those who did the same to you, with the presentation of a gift.