Attitudes of Gratitude

Whew!  The presents are wrapped...some already opened!!  Wish lists that were worked on (probably for months) have been granted...or maybe not completely.  My thirteen year old will be getting most things on her list.  But not an IPOD.  She'll have to borrow mine...which I don't even know how to use...or what real purpose it serves.  I'm showing my age, I suppose.  I have a friend whose little girls are asking for a puppy.  That's not going to happen.  Oh well.  Santa tries hard...but knows best.  Surely Christmas Day will hold moments of exhilaration...and some moments of disappointment.

Whatever the case, we need to encourage thankful attitudes in our children.  When the gift is underwear (and they're thinking, "How embarrassing!") or socks or other basic necessities instead of the newfangled gadget of the year, basic politeness should still be expressed.  We need to teach them that manners matter.

Plan ahead...give a little coaching...and train them to look the giver in the eye, smile, give a hug, and say, "Thank you."  You might need to give gentle reminders at the time of the actual gift opening.  And set the example yourself as you open your gifts.

Then, as you write your thank you notes, allow them to do their own!  Treat it like fun!!!
Make it very simple, a picture and just a few words...in their handwriting or yours (if they can't write yet) to say thanks.  Let them put on the stamps...always a hit!  Enjoy a special trip to the post office (and then out for a treat...hot chocolate or ice cream...to celebrate) or just a little walk to the mailbox, letting them put the envelopes in and pull up the red flag.  Aaaaah, simple pleasures...and showing your thanks.  It will mean a lot to the giver of the gift...and will teach your child the attitude of gratitude.