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- United States
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- Every December 7
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National Letter Writing Day inspires us to pick up a pen and paper every December 7. This timeless tradition offers a unique way to connect, express gratitude, and share stories in a deeply personal format. Take a moment to craft a thoughtful message, send a postcard, or simply appreciate the enduring charm of a handwritten note.
Want to sponsor National Letter Writing Day? Learn how
Expected National Letter Writing Day Deals
While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Letter Writing Day often sees stationery brands and postal services offering special deals. Look for discounts on elegant writing paper, unique envelopes, and high-quality pens from retailers like Paper Source and Moleskine. Online custom stationery shops such as Minted and Shutterfly may feature promotions on personalized cards and letter sets. The U.S. Postal Service might highlight commemorative stamps or offer tips for sending heartfelt mail. Even local craft stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby could have sales on supplies for creative letter art. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as December 7 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Letter Writing Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #LetterWritingDay. Share photos of your beautifully handwritten letters, vintage stationery collections, or creative mail art.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #LetterWritingDay. Ask your community to share who they’re writing to and why, fostering heartfelt conversations.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #LetterWritingDay. Share quick tips for writing engaging letters or spark a conversation about the best stationery finds.
National Letter Writing Day Hero
Benjamin Franklin
National Letter Writing Day timeline
On returning to Spain from America, Christopher Columbus writes to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, reflecting on his conquest in an era before airmail
The first American stamps featured Benjamin Franklin and George Washington and were authorized by an act of Congress
Daily airmail flights were instituted by the U.S. government between New York and Washington D.C.
US Postal Service agrees to offer Sunday delivery of Amazon packages
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Letter Writing Day
Local businesses can embrace National Letter Writing Day by encouraging customers to reconnect through the written word. Stationery shops can host ‘letter writing hours’ with special discounts on supplies, while coffee shops can offer a complimentary stamp with every purchase for customers writing letters on-site. Gift boutiques might curate special ‘care packages’ featuring beautiful stationery, pens, and perhaps a personalized wax seal kit, promoting thoughtful, tangible connections in a digital age.
National Letter Writing Day FAQs
When is National Letter Writing Day?
National Letter Writing Day 2026 is observed on Monday, December 7. It’s a perfect opportunity to dedicate a portion of your week to crafting a heartfelt message.
How many letters are sent each year?
While the volume of personal letters has declined with digital communication, the U.S. Postal Service still handles billions of mail pieces annually. In 2025, it delivered approximately 108.8 billion pieces of mail, a significant portion of which includes cards and personal correspondence.
Why is letter writing important?
Letter writing offers a unique blend of intimacy, permanence, and thoughtfulness that digital messages often lack. It allows for deeper reflection and creates a tangible keepsake that can be cherished for years, fostering stronger personal bonds.
What is the history of letter writing?
Letter writing dates back to ancient civilizations, evolving from clay tablets to papyrus scrolls and eventually paper. Early postal systems facilitated communication across empires, with significant advancements made during the Roman Empire and the development of public postal services in the 17th century.
National Letter Writing Day Activities
Buy some nice paper
Sure, you could order some online, but in keeping with the analog spirit of the day, why not find a stationary store and pick some nice paper up in person. There are all kinds of textures and weights available, and you can buy your own envelope or perhaps make one. There's a broad limit on how crafty you’re allowed to be, as long as the address label is visible to the post office and they can see where to send it!
Write a letter
Maybe you’d like to reconnect with old friends or pick a political figure whom you’d really like to express something to. If you’re into a particular issue like saving the bees or looking out for our marine life, check out the post office for stamps that show those things. Or the recent black heritage series has important figures from black history. If the letter is formal, don’t forget to Google the appropriate salutations! (Dear Sir!)
Don’t forget the wax seals
If you really want to make an impression on your recipient, you can buy some old-fashioned sealing wax and a seal with your initial on it, so that it looks like they’re getting a letter from the Count of Monte Christo. We love how creative and expressive you can be with a little sealing wax, and it’s the perfect touch to make your letter even more special.
Why We Love National Letter Writing Day
It makes you think before you write
In the age of the backspace key, it’s so easy to take back a thought once you’ve expressed it, but it means we’ve lost the art of reflecting before we communicate, and then expressing a thought or a sentiment in a flowing cursive hand. In Finland, for example, schools no longer teach handwriting, with students given the choice to learn to type instead.
It’s an opportunity to reconnect
How many of your hundreds of social networking friends have you actually connected with intimately over the last year? We love National Letter Writing Day because it’s a chance for you to pick a couple of those folks and send them something through the mail that will really break through the noise. In the modern era, there’s almost something weird about giving someone your full attention, but that’s what’s so neat about National Letter Writing Day. It gives you an excuse to make a special connection!
Stamps and letter-writing paper are awesome
These days, big corporations are the biggest users of the U.S. mail system, but that means many of us are missing out on the physical pleasures inherent in writing a letter on nice stationary and sending it through the mail system with a stamp. From famous presidents to wildlife, sports, and celebrating important aspects of our country’s history, stamps are a neat way of expressing your personality through the postage system.
National Letter Writing Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 7 | Monday |
| 2027 | December 7 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | December 7 | Thursday |
| 2029 | December 7 | Friday |
| 2030 | December 7 | Saturday |
Social Media Tips for National Letter Writing Day
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