As we head into the holiday season of parties and gift giving, I was speaking with my children about the importance of expressing thanks to others. Not simply, the quick “thanks” on the way out the door after a party at someone’s home or a quick “thanks for the gift” to a relative. But, something more – a phone call or better yet a hand-written note (or possibly a nice picture from the little ones).  And clearly, I’m not the only thinking this way – a Boston Globe columnist recently expressed similar thoughts.  In these times of instant communication, we tend to forget the pleasure traditional communications like the phone call or hand written note can bring. Someone spent a great deal of time to plan a holiday party or dinner. Or, someone one spent time searching for the perfect gift. Saying thanks with a note or phone call is an opportunity to give a truly meaningful gift in return this season.