Simple Invitations
Dear Friend,
Please come. You are invited...
In this digital age, where almost all of our communication is sent from device to device, or on social media, it can be a rare and special treat to receive hand written correspondence. The art of the letter is almost lost, save those few precious souls who still write to a pen-pal in some far-flung location, or send notes in the mail to grandkids across the country. There is something special about receiving a real, paper, letter or card written in a loved one’s own hand. It is far more personal, seeing their pen strokes – neat or messy as they may be – knowing that they actually took the time to think out their thoughts and organize them into this beautiful message in your hand, just for you.
Revive a bit of that joy and pleasure by sending your holiday invitations in an envelope with a stamp on it; and let the script be in your own hand, your personality showing through the slant of the letters and the swirling of ink on the page.
You can buy blank flat or folded cards in a number of colors, and including matching envelopes. How Simple and beautiful to write your invitation inside, without formality of professional printing, or coldness of factory set fill-in-the-blanks like a child’s birthday party.
I find cards with my name written on them, with a simple invitation that I know is really meant for me written inside to be far easier to accept, far harder to turn down than any other. Maybe because it’s an indicator of the type of gathering – perhaps more intimate, a closer-knit group of friends and loved ones. Maybe because when I see my name in their hand and I remember the thought and care that it takes to write a letter or an invitation by hand and to mail it and wait for a reply, I know that they really mean to invite me, I’m not just one of a hundred faceless names on a digital list who received a mass message. Perhaps this shows some introversion on my part, or old-fashioned-ness or sentimentality. But it also shows love, patience and thoughtfulness on the part of the sender. And those are qualities that I embrace whole-heartedly. Who doesn’t?
So, write your invitations by hand and mail them, but only to those whose names you know without referring to a contacts list; only to those whose presence would make the time spent writing the invitation worthwhile; only for those who will receive your invitation and know that you really meant to invite them and you really hope they’ll come. Because when you send that simple, handwritten note, they will come.
RH
The Journey
9
Beautiful paper and note cards, both flat and folded, can be purchased at many retailers these days. If you enjoy handcrafted goods and are interested in supporting craftspeople and artisans, local craft fairs and markets or online retailers such as Etsy.com are often excellent resources.