Dear Diary,

Here's a heads-up. The holidays are over and it’s time to guide the kids in writing thank-you notes for the gifts he/she received. Keep a supply of cute kids note cards on hand or use a word processor or card-making program for a creative learning experience. Or pick up a box of card-making paper and envelopes at your local discount or office supply store. Most kids love to have a reason to make cards;  thank-you notes are the perfect opportunity. Thank-you notes from kids don't have to be formal.

Here’s an example:

If, after a reasonable amount of time, you still haven't gotten a thank you note from your grandchild for the holiday gift you sent him/her - here's how one grandfather solved it: He had special checks made up just for that purpose. On the back of the check just above the endorsement line he had this imprinted: Thank you, Grandfather, for the money. It is so very much appreciated. You're the greatest.
With love,
_______________________________
                  (Endorsement line)

And for the moms and dads out there – you're never too old to send a thank you note to Grandpa and Grandma either. In fact, one Grandma was determined to resolve this once and for all. She continually sent birthday and holiday cards and gifts to her son, but didn't get a thank you or any acknowledgement.

She finally sent her daughter-in-law (his wife) a sympathy card for the "loss of her husband" (who was Grandma's son, of course). Her message read: I haven't heard from John that he received the gift I sent him so I can only assume he has passed on to the other world. I wish you had told me; I would have attended the funeral. Needless to say, Grandma heard from John immediately after her daughter-in-law received the sympathy card.

Happy New Year, Dear Diary and everyone out there.