Mill Creek Beacon - Your Hometown News Source

So the packages have all been opened, wrapping thrown away, and decorations are stored. All that’s left is the pine needles on the floor to remind us of Christmas. Even the holiday parties and “open house” buffets are over for awhile.

But the holiday spirit remains as we write and send our “thank you” notes. Yes, whether you are 6 or 60+, good manners require a real note of thanks for that gift or special experience. We (Ms. Manners and our parents!) are waiting to open that small envelope from you. An e-mail to say, “I got it!” will not be enough; it never was.

In some house...