Julia Sims: A month of thank yous

I don't know about you, but I think there is just something so nice about getting a handwritten letter or card in the mail.

First of all, you realize someone has taken the time to acknowledge you. Secondly, it sure beats getting bills and junk mail!

For the last month, Will has been writing three to four thank you notes a week to relatives for his Christmas presents. In years past, I've written the notes and he's signed them. This year, it's all him.

Surprisingly, he hasn't complained a bit! (He's a six-year-old boy, so I was just waiting for the groans that never came!) Will's notes are simple and then, he typically adds a little extra drawing or message.

I like to think it's been a lesson in appreciation and good old-fashioned manners. He's also learned what it means to the folks on the receiving end of his cards. My aunt and uncle called the other night to tell him how tickled they were to get his card in the mail. My dad, also known as Pops, called to tell him how impressed he was with his handwriting. Will was thrilled with the phone calls.

In this day and age, when we tend to fire off emails or texts without thinking about it, it's nice to get back to something a bit more meaningful.