Teresa Holland
Does anyone write handwritten letters anymore? In today’s digital age, it seems the mailbox is a receptacle only for bills, junk mail, and random flyers. Remember that special feeling from receiving a personal letter, knowing that someone was thinking of you? A personal message not shared with thousands of followers across far-flung computer screens. Is this a long-lost art that now only older people appreciate?
Maybe not. A handwritten letter is something tangible that you can re-read, savor, and save. Special letters that speak of everyday life, while conveying love are just some of the special ones that I have saved over the years. They bring back happy memories of grandparents as I read their words in how they actually talked.
Letters have been important to people and societies for centuries. There are many letters that are now in museums: such as love letters from Napoleon to Josephine, letters from various artists, writers, and musicians offering us a peek into their world. There are letters not just from famous people, but from everyday people such as homesick soldiers sent from the warfront.
Have handwritten letters become obsolete? A recent television commercial during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris raised enough controversy that the ad was pulled. The gist of it was a father who wanted to help his young daughter write a letter to her favorite track athlete that inspired her to run. But instead of showing her “how” to write an authentic letter coming from her, he directed his daughter to use an artificial intelligence (AI) computer program to write the letter for her. The fact that there was a large enough outcry over this gives hope that authenticity in a letter is highly valued when it comes from the heart of the writer.
While an email or text can certainly be faster, the surprise of receiving an unexpected letter can be much more special. Some letters I saved because of their sentiments, others came with a shared recipe, a photo, a baby announcement, or some other little surprise tucked in that could be easily mailed. I have saved some emails out of necessity, but never saved one because of it being special.
Not sure where to start or how to write a letter? There are many resources out there, especially online, and without AI. Older relatives or friends especially would love to receive a handwritten note from you. Research has shown there can be health benefits to writing and receiving penned letters. They can show caring, foster connections, and help to decrease feelings of loneliness just to name a few.
Thank-you’s are a great place to start honing your skills. Yes, thank-you cards acknowledging a gift are still expected by gift givers… or at least a text. Enough said about that. That could turn into a whole other topic.
Why not send a handwritten letter or note of appreciation to someone special? It can lift their spirit and just be a bright spot in their day. If you are worried about your handwriting, there is always finding just the right card, maybe jotting a quick little note, and putting a stamp on it to send it on its way. Voila! Yes, stamps have gone up in price, but seriously,
how many letters will you write all at once? Besides, the United States Postal Service can use your help and will thank-you… though probably not with a note.
Teresa Holland is a guest columnist, writer, and retired advanced-practice registered nurse. Send comments to [email protected].
