by Lisa Breslin
Gracias. Merci. Dank. Tack. Thank you. The praying hands emoji.
Gratitude translates in all languages. And, yet, the simple task of saying thank you for the perfect present, for the memorable party, for the small, kind gesture that turned your day around either gets pushed to the bottom of the “To Do” list or occupies WAY too much time before done.
A personal, handwritten note still tops the list of eloquent ways to say thanks; however, a short text or an email suffices, especially if the other option is to do nothing.
Simplify saying thanks with the following strategies:
- Bring a small hostess gift to a gathering rather than following up with a thank you note. Be sure to tag the gift so that your hosts know it is from you. Example: “Thank you for welcoming me to your warm home. Best, Susan Blaufelt.”
- Keep a Post It on your refrigerator or on your day calendar of thank-you worthy things that unfolded during your day. Make it a goal to connect with each person on the list before dinner time on Sunday.
- Be sure that each thank you includes the specific thing for which you are thankful and one specific reason for that gratitude.
- Example: “I really enjoyed the Holiday Brunch at your home on Saturday. I saw friends I had not seen in a long time. The company in your lovely home reminded me why I love the holiday season so much…”
- Invite a friend or family member over for a Thank You Fest. Put on some good music, find your favorite pens and write while in good company.
- Use a postcard rather than a notecard; the task seems less daunting when there is less space to fill.
- Send a e-card. Many are free.
