Do you still send snail mail? June 13 is Snail Mail Day so I thought I would see if there’s anyone else out there who still favours this old custom? I don’t have as much time to write letters as I used to before I had a family, but I do like to put pen to paper and compose an old-fashioned letter from time to time, and I’m happy to say that both of my children also enjoy sending and receiving letters through the post.

Why do we like to send snail mail?
There are a plethora of reasons to send snail mail in these times of technology, and here are just a few of them. Please add your own reasons in the comments below and let us know that we’re not the only ones still sending out postcards, letters, and cultural exchanges!
Call me a dinosaur, but I’m still very much old-fashioned. I love carrying on the age-old tradition of letter-writing. Traditions are still a part of the world society and I like to be a part of it.
I love the anticipation of waiting to receive a letter in the mail. It’s wonderful to know that one is on its way to you – but you don’t know exactly when it will arrive…
For the children (as well as me), composing a letter is great for handwriting practice. This has always been the case, but it’s even more important with so much being done on keyboards these days. If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it! Beautiful penmanship is a fine art.
Not everyone is on Facebook, or even on the internet. Snail mail is how I keep up with family friends and we learn about what our families have been up to, and how everyone is doing. Even if it’s only once a year at Christmas, it’s nice to receive news from around the world.
Letter writing is also a way to help keep people around the world employed. There have been so many lay-offs over the past decade due to new technology and cost reductions, I like to feel that I’m playing my own small part in keeping postal workers in a job.

Since having children I’ve participated in several cultural exchanges with people around the world. We exchange little items to help each other learn more about our cultures. These are always so fun as you never know what will be in a package that you receive! We’ve shared our package we received From Belarus With Love, and I’ll be sharing more with you in the future as well.
Writing a physical letter is more personal than sending a few lines over the internet. It’s much more emotional. You can share thoughts and feelings with not only your words, but also the though the handwriting. Is it tidy or unusually messy and stressed? Is it full of energy or more shaky and weak? Think about the difference in watching a movie or reading a book. Which draws you into their world more deeply?
I really do miss writing letters as frequently as I used to do. But I am making a renewed effort to get back into the habit and make someone else feel special when they receive a hand-written note from me, and perhaps a small card, photo, or drawing.
When was the last time you sent a note through the mail?



Anne Campbell says
There’s nothing like a personal letter or note received through the mail. I still have many letters and cards from my grandparents and from my dad. Since they have all passed away, these items are a treasure to me. I love having a piece of their handwriting.
Crystal McClean says
My grandma used to say my letters were written just like I was sitting with her…it may have been her polite way of saying I had run-on sentences and one big paragraph, but I did love exchanging letters when I was overseas. I still have her letters, and now a few of the ones I had sent her as well. Perhaps a little piece of me for the kids to see someday.
RMAU says
Thanks for all the awesome ideas on reasons to send snail mail. I do some day want to get into sending snail mail. ??
Crystal McClean says
Snail mail is a lot of fun at every age!
Carolyn Wilhelm says
So true, and I know people enjoy snail mail more than email! It is so nice you wrote this. We think it but you took the time to write.
Crystal McClean says
I love getting things in the post that don’t put a dent in the bank account! Postage has gone up, but a letter here and there is still affordable and brightens up a week! I know that my children were so happy to receive post cards last week – they’re on the wall now so they can look at them.
Crystal Green says
I’m a HUGE fan of snail mail. I’ve tried several times to start a pen pal situation online. I do have a few people that I write to regularly from the net. I do also send letters weekly to my family members too.
Crystal McClean says
I’ve found that since having a family and working at the same time that it’s tough to find time to sit and write un-interrupted or without being exhausted. I’m hoping to catch up on a couple of letters and a few postcards next week if all goes well.