The art of letter writing

I have a wish list of pretty things: a catalogue of little luxuries I’d like to treat myself to some day.  Personalised stationery is on this list. The type that comes with tissue paper-lined envelops.  I’m a sucker for such things. I get childishly excited when I receive a handwritten letter or card in the post.  I look at the address on the envelope and try to guess who owns the handwriting.  What could it be?  Is it a letter or card with some updates from a dear friend? An invitation to a celebration or some other occasion? I sit at the bottom of the stairs, carefully open the envelope and eagerly absorb the words within.

As a child I remember my mother frequently writing letters on personalised blue paper with gold embossed lettering. I used to trace the lettering with my fingertips.  I loved the feel and the smell of the paper. The envelopes were lined with tissue paper. I loved the noise this made.  I worry my children won’t appreciate the art of letter writing in the same way.  In fact, I worry that they won’t write much at all in this age of paperless post and pre-printed cards and invitations!  From next year Finland, whose education system consistently ranks top internationally, will no longer compulsorily teach cursive handwriting.

I must admit that like many I too have been seduced by the convenience of pre-printed cards and email invitations, especially the photo upload variety.  I thought I would save valuable time at Christmas if I uploaded a few photos of the children to one of the many online card companies, added a generic message and then waited for delivery of my “ready to be posted” cards. The only problem was that I felt compelled to write a personal message to each recipient.  I just couldn’t bring myself to send them out without a few words, at least!

So while the online cards are convenient and family enjoy the uploaded photos of the kiddies, I’ve resolved to limit their use for the Christmas bulk and revert to the handwritten notes for everything else.  I put this into practice last night when I ordered some invitations for Trouble’s Christening.  There are some lovely christening card designs out there,  but it was actually quite difficult to find a blank invitation to which I could add handwritten details.  After much searching and pondering, I settled on a generic invitation.  I couldn’t resist the 600gsm thick paper and hand bevelled gold gilt edging!  If I was a bit more of a modern girl, I’d probably be regretting that decision today and worrying about how I am going to find the time to write said invitations. But I’m actually quite looking forward to it as I cling onto this disappearing art. I’m also secretly hoping that if I lead by example Coco and Lentil will handwrite their cards and letters some day!

Linking up to #brilliantblogposts hosted by  the lovely Vicki  at Honest Mum