World Letter Writing Day is observed annually on September 1. It’s a day dedicated to encouraging people to embrace the art of letter writing and to express themselves through handwritten letters. This day aims to promote the personal and emotional connection of sending and receiving letters, especially in a world dominated by digital communication.
On World Letter Writing Day, people are encouraged to take a break from their screens and devices and instead write letters by hand. It’s an opportunity to connect with friends, family members, and loved ones more personally and thoughtfully. The day also serves as a reminder of the historical importance of letter writing in preserving memories, sharing news, and conveying sentiments.
The practice of letter writing has become less common in the modern age. Still, World Letter Writing Day seeks to revive this meaningful tradition and emphasize the value of writing heartfelt messages by hand.
History of World Letter Writing Day
World Letter Writing Day was established by Richard Simpkin, an Australian photographer, and artist, to promote the art and act of letter writing in an age when digital communication has become dominant. Simpkin was inspired by his experiences with writing letters and the emotional connections they can foster.
The inaugural World Letter Writing Day took place on September 1, 2014. The day’s primary goal is to encourage people, especially the younger generation, to appreciate the beauty and significance of handwritten letters.
Simpkin’s intention in creating this day was to remind people of the value of handwritten letters to communicate on a more personal and profound level. He believed that letters have the power to connect people in a way that digital communication often lacks.
Over the years, various individuals, schools, and organizations have embraced World Letter Writing Day by organizing events, workshops, and campaigns centered around the art of letter writing. It has gained recognition as an occasion to celebrate the emotional impact that handwritten letters can have on both the sender and the recipient.
How to Celebrate World Letter Writing Day
Celebrating World Letter Writing Day can be a delightful and meaningful experience. Here are some ways you can embrace the spirit of the day:
- Write Handwritten Letters: The heart of the celebration is writing handwritten letters. Take the time to compose heartfelt messages to friends, family members, or even pen pals. You could write about your experiences and feelings or catch up on life.
- Craft Personalized Cards: Create your greeting cards or postcards. Add drawings, decorations, or stickers to make them even more special.
- Host a Letter Writing Party: Gather friends or family for a letter-writing party. Provide stationery, pens, and plenty of inspiration. Share stories and thoughts, and even write letters to each other during the event.
- Write to the Elderly: Reach out to local nursing homes or assisted living facilities to see if they’d appreciate receiving handwritten letters from strangers. Your letters can bring joy to someone who might be feeling isolated.
- Letter Writing Workshops: Organize or attend letter writing workshops where participants can learn about the art of letter writing, proper formatting, and the history of letters.
- Donate Stationery: Consider donating stationery, pens, and other writing supplies to schools, community centers, or organizations that promote literacy and education.
- Teach Children About Letter Writing: If you have kids, involve them in the celebration. Teach them about the importance of handwritten letters and guide them in writing their own letters to friends or family members.
- Read Letters: Explore famous historical letters or collections of letters from authors, leaders, or figures you admire. This can provide insight into the art of communication through letters.
- Revive Pen Pals: If you’ve ever had a pen pal, World Letter Writing Day is a great time to reconnect or find a new one.
- Share Online: While the focus is handwritten letters, you can also share the day’s spirit on social media. Post pictures of your letters, stationery, or letter-writing process using the hashtag #WorldLetterWritingDay.
- Reflect and Relax: Set aside a quiet moment to reflect on the impact of written words. Enjoy the meditative process of writing by hand.
- Commit to Regular Letter Writing: While World Letter Writing Day is a specific day, you can make it a personal goal to continue writing letters regularly beyond this day.
Remember, World Letter Writing Day’s essence is to connect personally and emotionally through handwritten communication. Whether you’re writing to friends, family, strangers, or yourself, the act of putting pen to paper can be a truly rewarding experience. Enjoy some letter-related jokes.
1. A United States Marine was deployed to Afghanistan. While there, he received a “Dear John” letter from his girlfriend.
In the letter, she explained that she had slept with two guys while he was gone and wanted to break up with him.
To add injury to the insult, she said she wanted back the picture of herself that she had given him.
So the Marine did what any squared-away Marine would do. He went around to his buddies and collected all the unwanted photos of women he could find.
He got more than 25 pictures of various women (some with clothes and some without).
Then, he mailed them to his now-former girlfriend with the following note:
“I don’t remember which one you are. Please remove your picture and send the rest back.”
2. I was passing by my son’s bedroom and was astonished to see the bed was nicely made and everything was picked up. Then, I saw an envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow, addressed to ‘Dad.’ With the worst premonition, I opened the envelope and read the letter, with trembling hands…
“Dear, Dad.
It is with great regret and sorrow that I’m writing you.
I had to elope with my new girlfriend to avoid a scene with Mom and you.
I’ve been finding real passion with Stacy.
She is so nice, but I knew you would disapprove of her because of her piercings, tattoos, tight motorcycle clothes, and because she is so much older than I am.
But it’s not only the passion, Dad.
She’s pregnant.
Stacy said that we will be very happy.
She owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter.
We share a dream of having many more children.
Stacy has opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn’t really hurt anyone.
We’ll grow it for ourselves and trade it with the other people in the commune for all the cocaine and ecstasy we want.
In the meantime, we’ll pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so Stacy can get better.
She sure deserves it!
Don’t worry, Dad, I’m 15 and know how to take care of myself.
Someday, I’m sure we’ll be back to visit so you can get to know your many grandchildren.
Love, your son, Joshua.
P.S. Dad, none of the above is true.
I’m over at Jason’s house.
I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than the school report that’s on the kitchen table.
Call when it is safe for me to come home!”
3. An Arab student studying in Germany wrote a letter to his dad.
Dear Dad,
Berlin is wonderful, the people are nice, and I really like it here, but Dad, I am a bit ashamed to arrive at my college with my pure-gold Ferrari 599GTB when all my teachers and many fellow students travel by train.
Your son, Nasser.
The next day, Nasser gets a reply to his letter from his dad:
My dear loving son,
Twenty million U.S. dollars has just been transferred to your account. Please stop embarrassing us. Go and get yourself a train, too.
Love, your Dad
Reading is just as important as writing. Here’s how to help your children love reading.
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