Perfect Celebratory Notes
The Note
To my beautiful Sara and Bob, This gift is late in coming, but the excitement and the happiness for you both and Will has been there from day one. I am so happy that you guys were blessed with a beautiful son and I can’t wait to be a part of Will’s life. Everybody needs a crazy aunt in California! I can’t wait to meet him and share in his life. You two are amazing and I hope you know that I am here for you always and love your new family very much. Also, I am available for babysitting when you need a trip, ha ha. Love you, Courtney
Let your personality come through. The writer adds humor and reminds the recipients of who she is. And she assures them of a continued relationship with her nod to the future.
A compliment to the couple is a nice way to end, and here it might bolster the confidence of first-time parents.
This is the perfect way to handle a belated note: Acknowledge the tardiness, then move on. It also says that the recipients have been on the writer’s mind, a loving sentiment.
Four Strategies for Celebratory Notes
Be specific with compliments. For newlyweds, commend the couple on their choice of partners; for new parents, remark on how great they are sure to be with the baby. During a life transition, it means the world to hear an optimistic voice.
Don’t give advice. If anything, reassure the recipient that he or she has all the tools to handle what’s to come.
Focus on an achievement. Say what impresses you about the recipient. Or take note of future plans (new responsibilities after a promotion, postretirement travel) and wish him or her luck.
Draw on someone else’s knowledge. If you’re not close enough to the person to base a compliment on your own experience, make use of someone else’s: “Your parents are always talking about how proud they are of you.”
