Parting Gift

Speaking of birthdays, not too long ago a friend called me and asked for my address so she could send a thank you note for her birthday present.  I gave it to her, but after I hung up, I realized what I should have said, which was along the lines of "you just called me, which is quite enough--no need now to send a thank you note as well."

I'm not sure if I even like the idea of thank you notes for a birthday gift. A birthday isn't exactly a formal occasion, like a wedding or a bar mitzvah.  If you don't have to dress up for the event, I would think just being grateful when you receive or open up the present is enough.