Goodwill is a big part of the holiday season. One memorable way to show it is to make sure you thank those who have remembered you with a gift or an invitation to a party, dinner or event.

With the right preparation and approach, writing and sending a thank-you card can be done quickly and easily. And the simple gesture is sure to be greatly appreciated by the recipient.

What you need:
Stationery (or a suitable card)
Envelope
Black- or blue-ink pen
Recipient’s address
Sufficient postage

What you do:

Step 1: Address the recipient.

Example: “Dear Grandma”

This step can be easy to forget, especially if you know the recipient well. But it’s important to open with the person’s name because this shows that you’re sincere and speaking directly to them. Remember to include the date above your greeting, and a comma after the name.

Tip: The personal touch makes all the difference, so make sure the note is handwritten rather than typed.

Step 2: Say thank you.

Example: “Thank you so much for the beautiful gravy boat!”
Make the thank you the first thing you mention. By delivering the thanks up front, you convey a genuine appreciation and avoid distracting from your message.

Tip: If you are thanking someone for a gift of money, politeness dictates avoiding direct mention of the money. Instead, comment generally, thanking the person for his or her “thoughtfulness” or “generosity.”

Step 3: Address the appropriateness, use or timing of the gift.

Example: “It matches my china perfectly and will look great on the table next week at the dinner party we’re having!”

Nothing makes a gift giver feel better than knowing that their gift will be used. If you’re expressing thanks for a party to which you were invited, you might comment on how nice it was see friends. If it was thanks for money, a general reference to what you hope to buy with the money is good.

Tip: If the gift is not one you particularly like, rather than lie, concentrate on some positive or interesting feature or use of the gift (e.g., “The design is so intricate it must have taken the artist a great deal of time to complete.”).

Step 4: Share a brief personal line.

Example: “The holidays look to be as busy as usual, but we’re really looking forward to our cruise to Mexico in February.”

Family and friends, especially those whom you don’t see or communicate with often, like to know what you are up to. This shouldn’t be long. Simply relating some notable event, achievement or news is perfect.

Tip: If you know of some recent event or milestone in the recipient’s life, this can also be nice to include (e.g., “By the way, I was so excited to learn that you’ve joined the choir there! Please let us know when we can come see you perform.”).

Step 5: Restate thanks.

Example: “Thanks again for the thoughtful gift.”

This portion of the note should be brief and is meant merely to bring you back to the real purpose of your note.

Tip: Some consider it unnecessary to write thank-you notes when gifts and thank yous are exchanged in person. If you’re the least bit uncertain, or were especially moved by the gift or invitation, follow the verbal thank you with a card.

Step 6: Close and sign.

Example: “Love, Ellen”

The specific language of your closing should be determined by how well you know the recipient. To family and close friends, “Love” or “With Love” is a warm, pleasant way to wrap it up. For others, consider options like “Yours Truly,” “Best Wishes,” “With Thanks,” or something similar.

Tip: Avoid colored pens or varieties that are likely to smear or smudge. A smooth black- or blue-ink pen tends to be best for writing clearly and legibly.

Step 7: Address envelope, add stamp and mail.

Don’t let the note sit in the “to be mailed” stack. While “better late than never” applies to thank-you cards, it’s best to write and mail them soon after receipt of the gift or attending the party. You will feel good for taking the time to deliver a proper thank you, and the gift giver will appreciate receiving your thoughtful note!

Tip: If pictures were taken of you opening the gift, or wearing or using it, include a copy of the photo with your card. This also works well for photos taken at a party or dinner for which you are sending a thank you.