People don’t write letters much anymore. In a world of tweets, texts, and emojis, letters seem slow and antiquated. And yet, there is something exciting about finding a hand written note in the mailbox! It says someone actually took the time to find stationery, sit down, and write a few thoughts on paper. Wow.
I’m not the only one who believes this. If I were, we all wouldn’t spend precious time and money sending holiday cards every year. There’s something about a hard copy card and a hand written note that we just can’t give up. But I’d argue that hand written notes, and the stationery we pen them on, should have a place all the time, not just December.
Written letters connect us across time and distance. My daughter exchanges lengthy letters with her Nana, and she’s learned many interesting things about my mother in law through this pen-pal relationship. Best of all, she will always have Nana’s letters to turn to for stories and wisdom. My grandmother and mother passed out of my life years ago, but I still have letters from each of them that I treasure. It’s especially nice having samples of their handwriting, unique and personal remnants of their lives.
So, for a Word Nerdy gift this holiday season, I suggest personalized stationery. You can lose hours researching stationery on the Internet, so let me save you some time. I found the most affordable customizable stationery at Zazzle.com, but it doesn’t come with envelopes. (I’m just gonna pick up some invitation sized envelopes at Walmart.) If you’re willing to pay more, you can find classy and stylish stationery and cards at tinyprints.com and vistaprint.com, envelopes included. Expect to pay at least $1-$2 per sheet/card, and look for holiday promotions.
Word Nerd Note: Up until a few months ago, I didn’t realize that stationery, or writing paper, is spelled differently than stationary, the adjective that means “lack of movement”. Stationery comes from the noun stationer, which is a person or store that sells stationery; years ago stationer meant bookseller or publisher. When you need help with spelling, remember that paper has “er” in it, and so does stationery. (For more interesting facts about words, visit Kathy at Bermuda Onion for Wondrous Words Wednesday.)
What are your thoughts on writing letters, and would you like to give or receive personalized stationery as a gift?
Thanks for sharing!
Popping over after seeing this link on my friend Dana’s blog. I love stationary and am a big believer in the hand written note – for gratitude, words of encouragement, of just a note to tell someone how much they means to me. I love the thrill of finding personal mail in the mailbox. Love it!
Thanks for stopping by, Allie, and it’s nice to hear from another lover of handwritten notes. Dana and I are striving to write one letter a week to someone we care about… want to join us in the challenge?
I love letters & stationery~ I am still gobsmacked by the postal service when I really think about it, and astonished that more things don’t get lost 🙂
True, Jessica, and what an excellent word: “gobsmacked”! Adding that to my repertoire! 😉
I really like mailed letters and used to enjoy writing back and forth to pen pals. Unfortunately, now I’ve gone more techie. I still have a box of letters from friends & hubby (boyfriend back then) that I keep in a special place, though.
I have a box like that too… his handwriting was so much neater then! It’s nice to have concrete reminders of important relationships.
I adore handwritten notes. I’ve gotten away from it the last few years with the rise of technology, but after reading this and listening to a Happier podcast with Manuche (sp?) from Note to Self, just today, I vow to be more mindful and use more pen and paper! Which means I might need to go buy some more pink and turquoise ink….sorry, husband 🙂
Oh, fun office products and stationery, including pink and turquoise ink, are some of the finer small pleasures of life. Indulge! (I just listened to that podcast too… Will probably read the Bored and Brilliant book when it comes out. Note to Self is an awesome podcast – I think you’d like it.)
I just wrote a piece where I used the word “stationery” and I spelled it wrong the first time. Your tip about the -er in paper is perfect!
I love notecards, but I don’t write notes as often as I should. Maybe I should make a New Year’s resolution to send a note a week to someone I know.
A note a week sounds awesome, if not a bit ambitious. I try to send notes for birthdays and when I know a loved one needs a lift. Let me know how that resolution goes…
Yes, it is a bit ambitious! Leave it to me to go all-in. I already ordered stationery, but I may have to cut back to every other week…
Hey, now I’m thinking about embracing this ambitious challenge. What would you think about doing some kind of “bloggy” tie-in, like starting a letter writing challenge with our readers? We could check in (write a post) quarterly with reports on how it’s going… let me know…
I agree 100% and have pen-pal relationships with two or three friends, still. I’m also beginning one with my three-year-old granddaughter. I’ve been sending her cards in the mail for nearly a year now and she gets older will add more text.
Thanks for wonderful post.
P.S. I use the same memory aid for the spelling!
Yay! I’m glad you’ve already started a writing tradition with your granddaughter. What a wonderful way to keep you two close. I’m impressed you still have some pen pals, too!
I love stationery but do admit I don’t use it as often as I should. I do so love a handwritten note, though.
I like your post today Julia. I’m in agreement with you on personal communication. There is something special about handwritten letters and cards. My eldest daughter feels the same way and still communicates with a cousin and college friends. A few years ago she read about someone’s challenge to write one handwritten letter a week for a year. She joined the challenge. I bought her special stationery and even a book of stamps. She did a good job of it and actually reconnected with even more friends. Near the end of the year someone suggest she join Facebook so they could easily exchange pictures. They still communicated a lot (and still do) but the handwritten part went by the wayside except for Christmas cards. On the positive side – friends and family are communicating more, but on the other side, there’s nothing like that personal one-on-one handwritten letter. Good for you for staying with it.
That is quite a challenge. Maybe I should start something on the blog like that for next year? (Even though I told Dana that would be an ambitious goal). Thanks Margot, you shared a great story.
I love stationery! I receive the catalog from American Stationery (http://www.americanstationery.com) and love to look through it. It is not inexpensive but they have some cute designs. (You can also find discounts if you look for promo codes.) There is something about handwritten letters that is special and worth saving. The other thing is a note in a gift book. I have a copy of Ann Morrow Lindberg’s “A Gift from the Sea” from my Mom with a note in it. I would never part with that book!
Yes, notes in books are a great way to keep things personal. I don’t blame you for not wanting to part with that one. When I give my kids books, I try to include at least a short note. They are getting some for Christmas – thanks for the reminder. 🙂