We may be in the throes of Christmas prep right now, but before we know it, the wrapping paper will be cleared away, and kids will be enjoying a new fleet of exciting toys and treasures. After the fun of Christmas morning, another holiday tradition often begins, teaching children how to express their gratitude through thank-you notes. For many parents, this task can feel like a battle, but it doesn’t have to be.
Moms on social media have been sharing creative and simple strategies to make writing thank-you notes less of a chore, and more of a meaningful activity for kids. These viral tips can help transform a dreaded task into a fun and manageable moment of connection.
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A Picture-Perfect Thank You
One TikTok mom, Nicole from the account Raising Kind Kids(@raisingkindkids), has shared a couple of genius hacks that can make note-writing feel less daunting, for kids and parents alike. Nicole suggests that parents snap a quick photo of their child while they are opening each gift on Christmas morning. The genuine excitement and joy captured in the picture become part of the thank you note fun.
After the festivities, parents can print these photos. The child then writes their message of thanks directly on the back of the picture. This simple twist makes the task feel more special than staring at a blank notecard, and connects the gift directly to the child’s happy experience, making it easier for them to recall and express their appreciation. Sharing that captured moment of delight with the gift-giver makes the thank-you more personal and heartfelt for everyone involved.
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A Simple Script for Success
Another one of Nicole’s helpful suggestions is to provide children with a simple script or template to follow. This removes the pressure of figuring out what to say for each note, which can often be the biggest hurdle for a child. Having a basic structure empowers them to complete the task independently, while still ensuring the message is thoughtful and complete.
A great sample script could look something like this, “Dear Grandma, thank you so much for the new LEGO set. I was so excited to get it. I have already started building a big castle with it. It was so nice to see you on Christmas. Love, Liam.” This framework includes a greeting, names the specific gift, explains how it is being used or enjoyed, and closes with a warm sentiment. Parents can write this template on a whiteboard or a piece of paper for their child to reference as they work through their stack of notes.
@raisingkindkids Use this Christmas hack and holiday hack to make writing thank you notes for holiday gifts easier and more meaningful. Kids don’t like writing thank you notes but this will make it a little bit less painful and will help them be more grateful for the gifts they get. #holidayhacks #christmashack #gratefulness #parentinghacks #Christmasgifts ♬ original sound – Nicole- Raising Kind Kids
More Tips for Grateful Kids
Tackling a large pile of thank-you notes at once can be overwhelming for anyone, especially a child. It is often more effective to break up the task into smaller, more manageable sessions. Aim to write just two or three notes each day until they are all finished. This approach keeps the process from feeling like a marathon and helps maintain a positive attitude.
For very young children who are not yet able to write, they can still participate in a meaningful way. A parent can write the note, and the child can contribute a special drawing to include in the envelope. This allows them to express their creativity and be part of the gratitude process.
Instilling the habit of writing thank-you notes does more than just teach good manners. It nurtures a lifelong sense of gratitude. Practicing thankfulness helps children recognize the kindness and generosity of others, fostering empathy and strengthening their relationships. These simple acts of appreciation build a foundation for becoming polite, considerate, and grateful adults. As the holiday season continues, focusing on these moments of connection and gratitude reminds us all of the love and thoughtfulness that make this time of year so special.
