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Thank You Notes: Make them fun!

Ahh, thank you notes. The bane of every birthday and holiday after first grade. Gone are the days of guilt-free gift opening. Now with each piece of wrapping paper cast aside comes five minutes of pure agony trying to come up with three sentences that would appease the TYN authorities. Did Grandma really want a card from Little Billy saying, "Thank you for the socks. I will wear them every day. They are very comfortable." Of course she did. That's what grandmas are for.

Perhaps it was those ten years of guilt-induced notes that cause people to cringe each time they pull out the pen and paper. Really, it's not as difficult as we make it. All you have to do is add a little fun.

How can TYNs possibly be fun, you ask? Ditch the watercolored cardinal note cards that have been in your desk for ten years to start. Get some funky personalized cards (I know a great source) or check out Hallmark's Fresh Ink line. Sending a chuckle with your tidings wins bonus points.

Another idea: find a crazy pen. My employer gave fancy silver roller ball pens one Christmas and it makes me feel like adult each time I use it. I also have a pink one with a pig on top that says "Oink if you love chocolate." Both add a little personality to the process. Make writing thank you notes something to look forward to instead of something to dread. Oink oink.
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