Cheers! Happy New Year 2024!
These darling, hand-painted cocktail napkins were a gift from Lemondaisy. I sent this photograph to her to acknowledge my gratitude and how I use them.
After Christmas, Mummy gently, but firmly, encouraged me to write my thank-you notes for the presents I received from relatives. As I wrote, I longingly observed my friends playing outside… it felt like torture! Yet, due to her insistence, gratitude became ingrained in me- it’s not innate. You are not born with gratitude; it is a learned mannerism.
The Episcopal girls' school in Richmond, Virginia, where I attended, has a motto: "What we keep, we lose; only what we give remains our own." Expressing gratitude is among life's paramount endeavors.
Beyond a handwritten note, try to demonstrate to your gift-giver how you use their gift or express in person the joy it brings. This additional "nod of gratitude" is a kind and thoughtful gesture that will always be appreciated.
Wearing a gift when anticipating the gift-giver's presence or sharing your experience with a gifted item via email or phone call are simple ways to extend “additional gratitude.” Tell someone when you have used their recipe and how successful it was. Send an email photograph of a gift book while reading it on holiday, or show the champagne bottle you enjoyed for a special occasion. It does not take much effort to share additional gratitude… even when it is long after the gift was given to you.
A big kiss to you, my dear subscribers, for inspiring others to join in. You are keeping gracious living alive with an ever-growing international audience.
To my dedicated team- Sabrena, Kristen, and Jenn- thank you for your tireless efforts in bringing this newsletter to the world and nurturing the growth of my business. What fun 2024 will be!
May 2024 be a gentle and gracious year filled with gratitude and prayers for peace on earth.
With gratitude,
Xx
Holly