Holidays are a prime time to teach children to express their gratitude

Dear Abby: You often respond to grandparents who are disappointed that their grandchildren have not written a note to express gratitude for a recent present. Personally, I think one of the main reasons they don’t is the simple fact that they lack thankyou cards and stamps. When I’m at the post office, I rarely see 20-yearolds buying stamps.

I would like to offer a suggestion for my peers. If you want your grandchildren to send you a thankyou card, make it simple for them — include a small box of cards and some postage stamps when you send their present. They’ll get the message. And

Abby, they could add a copy of your letter writing booklet.

— Thankful in Texas

Dear Thankful: Your suggestion is a clever one. People of every age tend to procrastinate when it comes to letter writing because they’re unsure how to express their feelings on paper and afraid they will say the wrong thing.

Thank-you notes do not have to be long or flowery. In fact, the opposite is true. Short and to the point is more effective. I advise readers to have a notebook handy when they open their gifts and jot down the first words that come to mind when they see what’s inside. Do they like the color? The style? Is it something they have been wanting? Write it down and use it for inspiration.

My booklet, “How to write Letters for All Occasions” contains samples of thank-you letters for birthday gifts, shower gifts, wedding gifts and those that arrive around holiday time. It can be ordered by sending your name and address, plus a check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby Letters Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.