Giving Thanks, Literally

It is the season of thankfulness and gift giving.  Sometimes kids (and adults) can use a little help or inspiration to express appreciation for a gift or other kindness.  Last year, I found this book,  The Thank You Book for Kids:  Hundreds of Creative, Cool, and Clever Ways to Say Thank You!.  Our kids get stationery in their stockings at Christmas and enjoy using it to write thank you notes to family and friends.  This book has been really helpful to them.

I have always admired the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis for many reasons... her grace, her style.  I read once that many people who interacted with Jackie over the years (through business or socially) had received hand-written, promptly sent thank you notes showing her appreciation.  How gracious and lovely.  Teaching this skill to my kids and helping them to recognize how important it is to say thank you has been important to me.  I hope that they will carry it with them through their lives.