In our fast-paced, digitally driven world, the simple pleasure of a physical letter – often called “snail mail” – has largely been forgotten. And sadly, the immediate gratification of a sent e-mail, text, or instant message has somehow replaced the thoughtful, intentional act of penning a letter or even sending a card. The charm and sentiment attached to snail mail make it feel like a lost art.
However, there is something undeniably magical about receiving a handwritten letter in your mailbox. The personal touch, the anticipation, and the connection it brings are irreplaceable.
Each letter captures a moment of someone’s life, full of their thoughts, sentiments, and unique handwriting. It’s the closest thing to holding a piece of their heart in your hands.
When I was in high school, cell phones, and e-mails didn’t exist. So after making friends at camp or youth convention — we sent letters. I probably still have some in a bin in our attic. Sometimes I miss those simple days of corresponding via the mail.
It reminds me of a time when communication was less rushed and more meaningful, where words were savored rather than skimmed, and a piece of paper could bridge hearts and distances.
A Personal Touch
A handwritten card or letter allows us to take a step back, gather our thoughts and compose them to reflect our true feelings. It’s a celebration of intentionality and words.
Photo Credit: Lily & Val
Moreover, letters encourage deep and genuine connections. With e-mails, we may often find ourselves sending generic, templated messages. But with snail mail, everything is crafted with purpose and a unique personality. This personalized touch turns a simple letter into :
- A heartwarming gesture,
- A love token,
- Or a comforting shoulder in trying times.
Most importantly, snail mail is an expression of effort and time. Taking the time to write a letter signifies its importance to the sender. It’s an investment of time and energy that says, “You’re worth it.”
The Joy of Surprises with Snail Mail
There’s also a sense of suspense and anticipation that snail mail brings. The very wait, the not knowing when the response might come, builds an air of excitement. It’s the thrill of spotting an envelope in your mailbox and the surprise of its contents — these are joys that e-mails can’t replicate. Can I get an amen?
Cultivating Creativity
Snail mail provides an avenue for creativity as well. It’s not just about the words, but it’s also about the presentation. From choosing stationery and envelopes to using beautiful handwriting, from adorning with drawings and stickers to sealing with wax—each letter becomes an individual work of art, adding another dimension to the correspondence.
As we navigate an increasingly digital world, snail mail’s slow, thoughtful process can serve as a respite. Wouldn’t you agree?
Preserving Snail Mail
While digital communication is convenient, it’s worth remembering and preserving the lost art of snail mail.
So, let’s retrieve our pens, dust off our stationery, and remember that sometimes, the best messages come delivered not in the blink of an eye but at the turn of a page. Because snail mail, at its core, is a tribute to the art of connection – a connection that is deeply personal and beautifully timeless.
Be sure to join me each week for the next few weeks, as I’ll be sharing some additional snail mail fun that will include envelope fun, printables, a round-up of flat products to include with your snail mail, and more. 🎉
Susan Gorges says
This is so much fun. I have two pen pals, one a cousin I reconnected with around my 70th birthday. I has been amazing to see how much our families are alike. The second pen pal I reconnected with at my 50th high school reunion. It is just a geat gift to get real letters or postcards from these two.
When I can, I send hand written cards to my children and grands, and they live right next door on our farm. I think they need to know how much I love them with written words.
Janet says
You are so right! An actual card or letter is SOOO exciting to find in my mailbox! Excited for this series! Now to order some stamps and get ready!
Jan says
Kelly, I am so excited you are creating this series. I totally agree with you! Sending cards causes creativity in me and slows me down. I think of it as a meaningful way to show grandchildren, children and friends how much they mean to me. Sending a thank you says you took the time and how much you appreciated the gift, thought or gesture. Can’t wait!
Bobi says
Those envelopes are very pretty but the position of the graphics will interfere with the barcode the postal service prints on the envelope and uses to deliver the mail. They will apply a sticky strip over the graphics so their equipment can read it and send it to the correct address. The problem here is those strips frequently come loose and adhere to other mail and your pretty envelope may be delayed or even lost. The postal service discourages graphics on the lower portion of envelopes which is why you don’t commonly see them offered for sale anymore.