Write a Letter This Holiday Season
Rediscover the lost art of letters this holiday season. On December 7th, celebrate National Letter Writing Day by writing a handwritten letter to a family member, friend, colleague, doctor, neighbor or even a stranger.
In this digital age, it can be hard to maintain and make real connections. After all, isn’t texting just easier to communicate with someone? In lieu of texting, emojis, social media, and emailing, do something a bit different this holiday season. If you already send out holiday cards to friends and family, consider writing a letter to a stranger who could use some extra cheer. It could be a veteran, an elderly person or even a child at a nearby hospital. Here are some tips for crafting and sending a beautiful letter this holiday season!
Write about something personal
After you decide who you are going to send a letter to, it’s time for the pen to hit the paper. If you’re having writer’s block, take our advice and write about something personal. A funny anecdote from when you were a kid, a Thanksgiving dinner gone wrong, or an unforgettable vacation memory all make great starts to writing a memorable letter. If you are writing to a veteran, thank them for their service and express your gratitude in a meaningful way. If you’d like to send a letter to a patient, check with the hospital first to find out how to address the letter to make sure it arrives. Finally, your letter doesn’t need to be three pages long, but it also should be more than just a simple “thank you.”
Take inspiration from the greats
Writing a letter to your significant other is a fantastic way to show you care. If you’re stumped on what to write to a loved one, read up on some of the most famous love letters in history. Beethoven, Lord Byron, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Napoleon Bonaparte are just a few famous figures who wrote unforgettable letters in their day. Start your letter with a quote and let their powerful words inspire you to create your own masterpiece!
Decorate your letter
It’s worth the extra effort to make your holiday letter really shine. You don’t need an arts degree or calligraphy skills to make a beautiful letter - just have fun and let your imagination run wild. Instead of just plain white paper, go to a craft store and look for card stock in a variety of colors. Peruse Pinterest for crafty ideas or repurpose extra wrapping paper and gift bags to decorate the outside of the envelope. Invest in a good-quality pen and proofread your letter a few times before mailing it out.
Get the whole family involved
Make it a family event this year by getting everyone involved in letter writing. Kids, grandparents, nieces, and nephews can all get in on the fun and write a letter. Little ones will love the idea of writing a letter to their hero, whether that person is real or imagined!
When all is said and done, writing a letter is a simple yet meaningful way to express gratitude. Far longer-lasting than a text, a handwritten letter is like a warm hug. The time and thought you put into the letter will surely put a smile on the receiver’s face, and isn’t that what the holidays are all about? So, go ahead, write on!
If you’re not sure where you can send your letter, both Save the Children and Food for the Hungry are accepting letters.
Who are you writing a letter to this holiday season? Let us know in the comments below!
