How to Write a Holiday Thank You Letter

Giving and receiving gifts are part of the joy of the holidays. After the gifting is done, it's common courtesy to send thank you notes to the gift-givers. Writing a polite, heartfelt letter does not take a lot of time, but should include some basic information.

Things You'll Need

• Cards

Instructions

1. Write the letter by hand. It's more personal than a typed note or worse, an email.

2. Start with a short paragraph thanking for the person for thinking of you, and for the gift. Name the gift in this paragraph, as in "thank you for the jacket." The note could come off as less than personal if you fail to name the gift. Add a line about how you intend to use the gift as long as you're being truthful.

3. Write a short paragraph to personalize the letter. If you saw the person during the holidays, say how nice it was to see him.

4. Close the letter with a note wishing that person well, and that you would like to keep in touch. Include a phone number or email address. If you'd rather not keep in touch, end the letter politely but don't make any promises that you don't intend to keep.

5. Send the card as soon after the holidays as possible, but there is no time limit. If the season starts to change before you get around to it, include the line "I apologize for how late this is..." somewhere in the note.

Tips & Warnings

• Write honestly, but politely. A thank you that comes from the heart is best.

References

• Marie Claire.com: How to Write a Holiday Thank You Note: 2011