A site visitor writes:

I would like to know the etiquette on thank you notes when it comes to business holiday gifts. I once read that sending a thank you via-e-mail is not proper, is this true?

Good question and one I bet others have wondered about too!

I believe that the effort you put into something shows your level of sincerity and in the case of thank you notes, gratitude. It all depends on the situation and the relationship you have or plan to have with the person or company you are thanking.

For example, when a client or business partner does something nice for me, sends flowers for my birthday or a gift around the Holidays, they get a personally written and hand addressed thank you note via old-fashioned snail mail. That’s just what I’ve always done.

Yes, I could send my thank you by e-mail – I am in the technology business after all and that would make sense. But would that show my sincere gratitude as much as taking the time to buy the card, write my note and address the envelope, pay the postage and send it off? Probably not…

Sometimes a short e-mail saying “thank you” may be appropriate but clearly there are times when only a handwritten and addressed card will do!

Here’s to a Merry Christmas to all! I’ll see you back here in 2014!

When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things – not the great occasions – give off the greatest glow of happiness.
~Bob Hope