Each year on Christmas morning, I open presents from very sweet grandparents and aunts and uncles. I have received wonderful gifts from them over the years: jewelry, shoes, books, even gift cards and checks — all very thoughtful.

Some time around January 1, I sit down and write thank you notes to my relatives for each of these gifts. Every year. Why? 

Well, first of all, I am a stickler for tradition. (You should have seen my reaction when my family moved our Christmas tree this year without telling me.)

Another reason is that I did a project on Jackie Kennedy in fourth grade and gained a great appreciation for her classy style. One thing I always remember about her is that she consistently wrote very personal thank you notes and wrote them often.

But the real reason I insist on writing these notes is because I really do think it is important to express sincere gratitude to others.

I want those who spend time and energy trying to show that they love me to know that I really appreciate them and that their efforts do not go unnoticed. Honestly, no response to these warm gestures seems very rude and ungrateful to me.

I want to remind myself of this as well, to adopt an attitude of thankfulness rather than sinking into the cultural norm of taking things for granted, especially at Christmas time.

While it is true that we can voice thanks in other ways, in our modern-day culture where communication is taking place more and more through electronic means, a written note in the mail is received as something  special. A thank you note becomes even more meaningful.

My hope is that thankfulness will never go out of style. So why should thank you notes? So take some time today to tell those you love that you appreciate them and all they do for you.

If nothing else, writing thank you notes is a great excuse to use cute stationary too.