Over the weekend, when my extended family got together for our annual Christmas celebration, my aunt surprised us with cards and letters that my grandmother had held onto over the years. Mamaw passed away in October and one of her wishes was to have those cherished cards and letters returned to the ones who sent them to her.

I was a little sad to see that my stack contained only three items: a handmade birthday card from when I couldn’t have been older than 7 years old along with two thank you letters I had written to her and my grandfather when I was a freshman in college. That’s it…

Of course, there’s a part of me that is impressed with Mamaw’s ability and willingness to keep so many cards and letters from her loved ones. I know, I only had three given back, but some of the others had dozens. Personally, I don’t hold onto cards or letters sent by anyone for more than a few months. One of my mother’s chief complaints about my personality is that I don’t have a sentimental bone in my body. That’s not necessarily true. I’m sure I do have a sentimental bone. It’s just one of the very tiny bones. Like a pinky toe or a floating rib.

Anyway, as I was looking through old family photos and preserved letters this Christmas, I came to regret how few handwritten letters I had contributed over the years. Reading back through those two letters, I was simply thanking my grandparents for sending me a little spare cash to help a struggling college student. With my gratitude, I threw in a bit of information about how classes were going and what kinds of grades I was receiving. It was like opening a door to the past and being reminded of what my life was like 25 years ago.

When was the last time you actually took the time to sit down and write a heartfelt letter to someone you care about? For most of us, it’s probably been a while. In today’s world of instant digital communication, letter writing seems to be a lost art. We can instantly message, email, or post on someone’s Facebook wall at the click of a button. While it’s amazing to have this easy access to each other’s lives, something personal is lost without the effort of putting pen to paper.

There’s just something special about receiving a handwritten letter in the mail. Holding the paper, seeing the person’s unique handwriting, it adds meaning. Emails and texts can feel cold and fleeting. But a letter that someone took the time to write, address, stamp, and mail signifies that you matter.

As we approach 2024, I think it’s time to bring back the art of letter writing. Even if it’s just a quick note to say hello, to congratulate someone, or even write a formal thank you, taking a few minutes to compose a letter can make a lasting impact. When we reach out the old-fashioned way, it shows someone that they are worth the time and care.

What about you? When is the last time you wrote a letter to someone you love? I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether you think letter writing is a lost art. Please share your experiences in the comments below!

Feature Photo by John-Mark Smith