MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR SOMEONE
I remember the days of notes passed in class. If the writer were on the other side of the class, they would have to pick someone to start the delivery process. Everyone but the teacher was in on this delicious little secret. Would someone tattle?
Love notes were the best! Giggles. For the longest time, I kept those folded up momentos in a shoebox and would reread one or two of them whenever I needed a smile in my day. My friends and I created these fancy little packages with their folded over corners tucking back into themselves so there wasn’t a need for envelopes, it was all-in-one. The notes, written in pencil, coloured pencil, marker, or ink contained anything from poetry to a few scribbled words with doodles. It doesn’t matter what the note contained, or what medium the writing, receiving these notes was always fun.
After I left for school and moved away from my friends and family, I especially appreciated receiving delightful envelopes and packages from loved ones. The effort made on some of the envelopes alone would send me rushing to my abode, eager to open my postbox treasure.
I still have a few cards that were given to me by my grandmother. I always forget where I put them and when I come across them again, it warms my heart to see my name in her handwriting, written on the envelope and portraying a sweet message inside the card
Sadly, it seems those days are long gone. We are all so busy with life that we forget or don’t take the time to remember the people we care about the most. Facebook kindly reminds us of upcoming birthdays, and although it’s nice to read the well-wishes in post form, or receive emails, nothing beats a well-thought-out card or note. How many birthday cards do you still receive? How many do you send? Do you know the address of any of the people on your friend list?
Yes, the internet has made it possible to reconnect with people we had been out of touch with, and I am grateful for the many online conversations I have had with long-lost friends, as a result.
In my last post, I shared a fun, creative, paperless option. This option enables the sender to design something more personal than an email or Facebook post.
As an animal welfare advocate and volunteer, these tangible, paper gems mean more than most people realize.
Some days and weeks can be tough. We deal with desperate situations and listen to countless stories that would break most people’s hearts. That little envelope would go a long way to help someone who might be suffering from compassion fatigue
Even a bad day can be made better knowing someone is thinking of you
I believe it is as therapeutic for the sender as it is for the recipient. There is just something about sitting down to write a card or a letter. I’m not talking about ‘group’, or ‘brag’ letters. I’m talking about something special intended for one recipient.
I haven’t written Christmas cards in several years; I keep meaning to get back to this practice but sadly, have not. I don’t want to scribble my name on a pile of cards – Christmas is about more than that.
To me, this is less personal than a text or a tweet in which we fill the conversation with punctuation or emojis, instead of saying much of anything. We rarely share glimpses into our true lives these days.
People cause accidents by texting while driving, and I admit; I am guilty of sitting beside my husband at a bar, both of us with phones in hand catching up on our news-feeds. We don’t pause long enough to reflect. To be in the moment, individually, or to connect with others.
I feel that Christmas cards should still be personalized. Even just one or two lines such as:
Hi Jane, I heard you are expecting early in March………Congratulations! Dan and the boys must be very excited. You’ll have to make room for another stocking on the mantle. Happy Holidays to you all xoxo
I used to start my Christmas cards in October. Crowds make me anxious, so I finish my shopping by Canadian Thanksgiving, and after that, I start preparing for Christmas. One or three cards a night with a cup of tea or glass of wine and some music. They may not be there physically, but I feel as if I’ve connected with friends instead of rushing through a task.
For those of you just visiting, my pack moved house in November. It was a crazy time. No cards, no Christmas. I could not bear to look at one more box! I did not have time to sit and write cards.
So………………..I decided to surprise people with springtime notes!
Check your mailboxes people – you might be receiving something other than bills and flyers very soon.
It is such a wonderful feeling to know you have made someone’s day with something as simple and easy as an ‘out-of-the-blue’ note, or card.
Who will YOU write to?
The Daily Pip says
I love this idea! Although I enjoy writing, I sometimes hesitate to write letters or cards because my handwriting is terrible. Isn’t that silly?
My dad passed away in February and I received some really lovely notes from friends and family and they made such a difference and helped so much.
Dear Mishu says
Those are really cute cards. People definitely seem to appreciate a hand written note, especially since it’s so rare!
Sweet Purrfections says
I, too, miss the days of sitting down to write a letter to a friend or family member from out of town. I always loved receiving them in the mail. I only received 2 birthday cards in the mail this year compared to the hundreds of well wishes on FB. I think those two cards meant more to me than any of the others. I’m guilty of not writing anymore, but need to renew the effort.
Beth says
What cute cards! I love stationery, I only wish my chicken scratch handwriting didn’t ruin the card! Before I had kids, I was a prolific letter writer. My grandfather and I used to write each other all the time. Whenever I come across those old letters, a sweet memory come to life, even if just for a few moments.
Talent Hounds says
Those cards are so cute- a little like my collage art in Penny P Pug. I love the cards you make and would definitely buy them, especially Kilo the Pug of course. You are such a talented artist. I like giving and getting cards but I find there are too many barriers to sending by mail for me. I am very disorganized and distracted so it can be overwhelming to first find the right card, then to write perfectly – no auto correct or rewording- then find an envelope, then find an address, then find a stamp, then actually mail it. I am more likely to finish with instant gratification and the ease of e-mail or Facebook as they store my contacts and I can work on my perfect message in drafts. I do have many cards I sent my parents over the years my Mom gave me copies recently which are fun to see and read (although I spent a lot of time eating and drinking apparently). I actually have to drop off a physical thank you card to an older friend of mine tomorrow.
Kamira says
I love the idea of hand written notes. I must be the only one in my clique of friends that still practices this art form. I love saving my greeting cards as they are great memoriesto reflect on. Some instances they remind me of something I long forgot. I love your idea of Springtime notes. How sweet and thoughtful.
Heather Wallace, Bridle & Bone says
You are so right that letter writing is a lost art and something I used to look forward to all the time as a kid! This really struck a note with me “I believe it is as therapeutic for the sender as it is for the recipient.”. I started writing to satiate a need to express myself better than I am able in spoken word. It is a huge catharsis. My Confessions series is really a personal diary I share with the world, and it was terrifying to post that first one. Some after I’ve questioned as well. But regardless of whether I share them or not, the writing of it helps me to get my thoughts and feelings in order.
Clare Reece-Glore says
Yes!! A nice note any time is better than plowing through holiday cards with determination but no joy. (YAYDog)