National Letter Writing Day

National Letter Writing Day shines on December 7th, bringing back the charm of handwritten notes. It’s a day filled with nostalgia, creativity, and personal connection. This date honors Mark Twain, a legendary American author known for his love of letter writing.

The day stands out in the digital age, reminding us of the personal touch that comes with a handwritten letter. Unlike emails or texts, letters carry a unique essence, offering a more intimate form of communication.

They encourage us to pause, reflect, and convey our thoughts with care and consideration. This practice strengthens personal connections and serves as a creative outlet, allowing for the use of beautiful stationery and stamps, making each letter a work of art​​​​.

Celebrating National Letter Writing Day can involve various activities, such as writing heartfelt letters to loved ones, crafting stationery, and even organizing letter exchanges among friends or family.

It’s a chance to express gratitude, share memories, or let someone know they’re in your thoughts. This day is not just about reviving a fading art; it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories and connections that stand the test of time​​​​.

History of National Letter Writing Day

National Letter Writing Day probably has origins that date back to Victorian England, where letter writing was a vital skill and a cherished form of communication. This tradition, deeply ingrained in European culture for centuries, made its way to America and became widely practiced.

The establishment of the United States Post Office Department in 1775 by the Continental Congress played a significant role in developing letter writing. Over time, the rise of technology such as email and social media led to a decline in letter writing, but recent years have seen a revival in this art form​​.

While some believe that National Letter Writing Day was inspired by Japan’s Letter Writing Week and its monthly Letter Writing Day on the 23rd of each month, that’s not exactly how it happened.

In fact, this rather modern day was founded in 2014 by a man named Richard Simpkin, who simply wanted to revive the joy of receiving hand-written letters in an age of social media.

National Letter Writing Day reminds us of handwritten letters’ unique value and personal touch. It stands as a testament to the timeless nature of letter writing, allowing us to express our thoughts and feelings intimately.

This day encourages us to slow down, reflect, and communicate more thoughtfully and deliberately. It’s a celebration of the tradition of letter writing, urging us to connect with others through the written word in a world dominated by digital communication​​​​.

National Letter Writing Day offers everyone a chance to reconnect with a more personal and thoughtful form of communication.

How to Celebrate National Letter Writing Day

Unleash an Inner Poet

Dive into your heart’s depths and pull out words dripping with emotion. Pen a poem for a loved one, wrapping your feelings in metaphors and similes.

Make it sweet, make it funny, or even a bit punny. Poems don’t have to rhyme but should make the heart chime!

Craft a Time Capsule

Seize the day to scribble down your current musings, dreams, and even the mundane details of daily life. Tuck this letter away in a “time capsule” to be opened in the future. Imagine the surprise and nostalgia when you discover this treasure trove of past thoughts and predictions for the future!

Send Letters to Unsung Heroes

Think of the people who brighten your day without even knowing it—the cheerful barista, the ever-smiling mail carrier, or the helpful neighbor.

Write anonymous letters of thanks and leave them where these everyday heroes will find them. It’s a stealthy mission of kindness that will leave you feeling like a gratitude ninja.

Host a Letter-Writing Party

Gather friends or family for a cozy night in, armed with fancy paper and an assortment of pens. Make it a party to remember with themed stationery, stamps, and maybe even some old-fashioned wax seals.

Share stories, laugh, and let the letters flow as freely as the refreshments. It’s a bonding experience that turns memories into tangible keepsakes.