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July 16 - 17
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Write a sincere thank-you note
The party's over. The gifts are unwrapped. And your big day is beginning to feel like a fond memory. But before beginning that walk down memory lane, take a minute to think about the people who helped make your day. The celebration isn't over until they know how much you appreciate them.
The Who...
From wherever you are…to wherever they are.
And you're done.
-courtesty of hallmark.com
The Who...
- List every single gift-giver, whether their package arrived by mail, e-mail or in person.
- Now add in the friends who did anything to help out with the birthday party, anniversary, wedding, shower or get-together—including the ones who helped plan, decorated, ran errands, brought food and so on.
- It's thoughtful. By taking time to write a note, you're sending a message that a gift or gesture was important to you. Translation—the person is important to you.
- It's memorable. Your handwritten note becomes your gift back to those who shared time or gifts with you. Don't be surprised if they keep your card.
- It's the right thing to do. And what an easy way to make a great impression or to strengthen your relationships.
- The beginning: Start with a word of sincere thanks.
- Thank you so much for...
- It made my day when I opened...
- I appreciate the time you took to...
- I'm so grateful you were there when...
- The middle: Refer to the specific gift or event. Tell them what it meant to you, why you like it, how you'll use it or something memorable about the occasion ...
- Here's a picture of me with my new briefcase. It makes me feel like a professional at my new job!
- Yellow has always been my favorite color, and the vase will match perfectly with my new sofa.
- I plan to use the birthday money you sent to decorate my dorm room.
- The going-away party you hosted meant so much to me. To have all my friends and family in one place was an experience I'll never forget!
- The end: Restate your appreciation with kind words for the one you're thanking.
- Again, thank you for your generosity. I'm so excited about college. I'll let you know all about it when I get settled.
- We felt so honored that you made the trip to be with us on our wedding day. We can't wait to see you again soon!
- Your kindness has always meant so much to me through the years of our friendship.
- If possible, make sure your thank-you notes are sent no later than one month after the event.
- If it's more than a month past due, begin with a brief apology. "Please forgive my tardiness in getting this sent..."
- Have you already thanked them verbally or by e-mail? That's nice. But a handwritten note will mean so much more.
From wherever you are…to wherever they are.
And you're done.
-courtesty of hallmark.com
Sunday, May 15, 2011
5-Dad Approved Ways to Make His Day Special
Since 1966, when President Johnson signed a proclamation setting aside the third Sunday in June to honor American dads, Father's Day has been an uncomfortable fit for many men. There's something a bit off about expecting 7-year-olds to be grateful. The best dads aren't looking for praise: "Just go be a kid—I'll do the work around here," is how the tape in their heads runs. Still, we don't just ignore presidential proclamations around here! And we think it's good for the kids to recognize the guy for all he does. So here's how to help them give Dad the special salute he deserves.
The Meal
These days, Dad may be a health-and-nutrition guy, but Father's Day is a great excuse to forgo his usual bran flakes and bananas in favor of a good old-fashioned breakfast served in bed. The menu should include breakfast meats (yes, more than one), waffles, a tall glass of fresh orange juice, granola with giant blackberries—way more food than a man can eat. Equip the kids with a detail about every ingredient and they'll take it on themselves to do play-by-play, as in, "This coffee is from Hawaii, Daddy." Of course, Dad will respond in enthusiastic kind as he wonders in awe, "Who cooked this bacon?" Upon learning that 6-year-old Becky did (she helped—right, Mom?), he'll declare it "the most perfect, crispiest bacon ever cooked in the state of Illinois."
These days, Dad may be a health-and-nutrition guy, but Father's Day is a great excuse to forgo his usual bran flakes and bananas in favor of a good old-fashioned breakfast served in bed. The menu should include breakfast meats (yes, more than one), waffles, a tall glass of fresh orange juice, granola with giant blackberries—way more food than a man can eat. Equip the kids with a detail about every ingredient and they'll take it on themselves to do play-by-play, as in, "This coffee is from Hawaii, Daddy." Of course, Dad will respond in enthusiastic kind as he wonders in awe, "Who cooked this bacon?" Upon learning that 6-year-old Becky did (she helped—right, Mom?), he'll declare it "the most perfect, crispiest bacon ever cooked in the state of Illinois."
The Card
Whether the card is store-bought or homemade, its message has to be customized to the particular father. "The funnest dad in the world" is good; so is "the funniest dad in the world." "I'm so happy you're my dad," or something equally simple, will make a fella's day and year and life.
Whether the card is store-bought or homemade, its message has to be customized to the particular father. "The funnest dad in the world" is good; so is "the funniest dad in the world." "I'm so happy you're my dad," or something equally simple, will make a fella's day and year and life.
The Gifts
The first present is sentimental: a framed photo of Dad's team (Mom and kids), taken on a special day from a few months back—at a ball game, say, or Grandma's birthday party. It should be framed (by you and the kids, not a pro) along with an artifact from the event (like a ticket stub). This will fall into the Dad category of "prized possessions" and be displayed in his study or workshop or on his side of Mom and Dad's room. The other gift is something to share, like a gift certificate from the local miniature golf course for rounds together. Speaking of which...
The first present is sentimental: a framed photo of Dad's team (Mom and kids), taken on a special day from a few months back—at a ball game, say, or Grandma's birthday party. It should be framed (by you and the kids, not a pro) along with an artifact from the event (like a ticket stub). This will fall into the Dad category of "prized possessions" and be displayed in his study or workshop or on his side of Mom and Dad's room. The other gift is something to share, like a gift certificate from the local miniature golf course for rounds together. Speaking of which...
The U.S. Open
If Dad's a golf fan, don't forget that the U.S. Open always concludes on Father's Day. So be sure that from late afternoon to early evening, Dad is free to collapse in front of the tube. After all, when he's not at work, he's fixing something or planting something or teaching the kids to throw a spiral or solve a quadratic equation. Doesn't he deserve a few hours of golf watching? Kid-delivered snacks—any bacon left from breakfast?—or a cold pilsner from Mom can make a man feel momentarily like a king.
If Dad's a golf fan, don't forget that the U.S. Open always concludes on Father's Day. So be sure that from late afternoon to early evening, Dad is free to collapse in front of the tube. After all, when he's not at work, he's fixing something or planting something or teaching the kids to throw a spiral or solve a quadratic equation. Doesn't he deserve a few hours of golf watching? Kid-delivered snacks—any bacon left from breakfast?—or a cold pilsner from Mom can make a man feel momentarily like a king.
The Best
When the kids are asleep and you finally tumble into bed exhausted from cooking a six-course breakfast, framing photos and serving snacks, don't forget to give your guy an I'm-lucky-to-have-you squeeze as you drift off together, savoring the parental conspiracy in which the two of you are so deeply and sweetly bound.
When the kids are asleep and you finally tumble into bed exhausted from cooking a six-course breakfast, framing photos and serving snacks, don't forget to give your guy an I'm-lucky-to-have-you squeeze as you drift off together, savoring the parental conspiracy in which the two of you are so deeply and sweetly bound.
Hugh O'Neill is the author of A Man Called Daddy: A Celebration of Fatherhood. This article was originally published in the May/June 2007 issue of Hallmark Magazine.
Courtesy of hallmark.com.
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