I am the ghost of Christmas present here to say "Why the fuck can't you take the time to say thank you?" That's right, First, the giver of your gift had to earn the money to purchase me. Then there's the time and gas to the store and back. Then, there's the time spent finding just the perfect thing for you. Once home, the gift giver wraps me, puts a pretty bow on me and addresses it so you know that it is just for you. How much time do you think this takes? At least an hour or two, right? Maybe more?

Now think about how much time it takes to write a thank you note. Maybe five minutes? Even less if you send an email thanks (rather than the preferred handwritten note with blue, black or blue/black ink). Not very much time at all, right? Yet it means so very much to the giver…

This year, please take the time to write or say thank you to everyone who took the time to give you a present this year. If you have children, they should write the thank you notes the very day the present is received (it is an excellent habit to get into) and kids too small to write can draw a picture that you can address and mail for them.

People say that Christmas has become too commercialized. Do your part to make it meaningful with a heartfelt thank you. Merry Christmas. —Bad Penny