TIPS FOR WRITING THE PERFECT THANK YOU NOTE

                (Casper, WY) -- 'Tis the day after Christmas and all through the house we find the opened gifts -- toys and games and clothes and the boxes they were wrapped in. Now what? You may remember your mom telling you that the appropriate response when someone gives you something is "thank you" and that probably included writing thank you notes. According to author Margaret Page the thank you note is far more valuable than an email or text. After all, she notes, you can’t display an email on your desk or hang a text on your bulletin board. So if the value of the written thank you note is being lost, how do you go about writing one?

                Blogger Trent Hamm says the written thank you note has two big things going for it: it's a simple way of showing gratitude toward someone who has done something kind for you, and it keeps the communication loop open between you and that person. He suggests always hand writing your thank you notes because it provides a level of "elegance" that just can't be captured by typing and printing out your note. The first sentence of the thank you note is simple: begin by saying thank you. Then explain what the gift meant to you and what you plan to do with it. Continue by expressing hope you'll see the person in the future and conclude by thanking the person again.

                Jeanne Field, an editor with Hallmark Corporation says it's important to reply quickly, within a week. If it's longer than that begin your note with a brief apology such as "I've been meaning to tell you..."

                And Jennifer Beeler of Southern Living magazine notes some "Thank You Note Don'ts" such as not exaggerating and not referring to specific amounts of money. She says it's also a good idea to avoid rambling -- in other words, get to the point. And she says you shouldn't assume an in-person thank you is enough.

                So there you have it, tips on writing the perfect thank you note. Don't assume an in-person thank you will get the job done and don't use email or texts. Respond quickly. Hand write your note and begin by saying thanks. Then share how you'll use the gift, express hope for a future in-person meeting, and say thank you again.

                Tips from the experts. Come to think of it, mom was right all along.