Write that thank-you note already

They'll save your heartfelt note forever.

Here it is almost Thanksgiving, and you still haven't written thank-you notes for last year's Christmas gifts. To get you off your butt, here's a step-by-step guide.
1. Dear [person's name]. Or, if you're really close, use "Hi" and a nickname: "Hi, Warthog!"
2. "Thank you for the [description] [type of gift]." If lots of time has passed and you've accumulated many gifts, be sure you match the gift with the actual giver. Are you sure that Penthouse subscription came from Aunt Hilda?
3. Write one or more sentences about the item and how you'll use it: "It matches my blaze orange hunting jacket, and it'll keep me warm when we're sitting in the cabin drinking beer."  
4. Express appreciation for the giver's thoughtfulness. "It was so clever of you to shop at Goodwill for our wedding present."
5. Mention something personal about the giver. "My best wishes to you and your 36 cats."
6. Sign off with an appropriate closing, like "Love" for family members, or "Yours truly," "

---