Originally Posted by svenskaflicka1

as for thankyou's--our immediate family is small, close, and loving. the unspoken agreement among us adults is that a verbal thank you and a hug is enough--but the kids are taught that if a gift is received, a note of thanks is written, and teaching by example is still done. one of my kids found it easier to "draw" her thanks. (she has a degree in studio art, now), but an acknowledgement was always given! now that my kids are all adults, we are back to hugs and thankyous--but their kids are learning the same thing. when somebody cares enough for you that they give, you must let them know that you get it--that they made an effort, followed through, and made you special.