World Post Day and Letters
World Post day happens each year on October 9. It is the anniversary of the Universal Postal Union, established in 1874 in Bern, Switzerland. It was a communications revolution that introduced the ability to write letters to others all over the world.
Coincidentally, snail mail is having a moment. Like little gifts, a handwritten letter nestled in with faceless solicitations and bills is a delight that digital pings cannot match. The process of mailing a note is an act of kindness and generosity. It requires tools - pen and paper. It requires reflection, sometimes even a first draft. And it requires planning – stamps! Sending a letter takes effort and lets someone know that they are important. In recent days, the sight of our congenial mail carrier walking toward the back door brings comfort as well. A sign of normalcy and expectation. Who doesn’t secretly hope that there will be a letter for them? So, make someone’s day and send them a handwritten note. Plus, writing on paper is relaxing, so extra bonus for you!
Like all our favorite things, letters get better with age. Hang on to them. Tuck them into books and rediscover them later like little surprises.
Oh, and here are some recommended books of letters to get you in the zone.