I love writing and receiving snail mail, I always have. When I was little, I would send all sorts of things through the mail – doilies from under coffee cups that I colored, travel brochures, beer coasters… Anything that was flat and would fit in an envelope. The habit stayed with me to adulthood and now I send thank you letters to colleagues and business partners (never underestimate the power of a heart-felt thank you note or even just a “wow, I’m sorry I didn’t do that as well as I could have, and I promise to learn better next time”); greeting cards to friends (Valentine’s Day is coming up on Feb 14th, remember!); birthday and anniversary cards; and even just a certificate you can create congratulating a friend on a personal milestone.

What is Lettermo?

It turns out, there’s a vibrant online community for correspondents! Who knew? The internet can support our offline lives in creative ways. One of these communities is called “Month of Letters,” or “Lettermo” for short. Every year in February, participants challenge themselves to mail something to someone every day during the month – it could be to another participant, to a friend, to a public figure, heck – even Santa Claus! We also agree to write back to everyone who writes to us.

How Do You Join Lettermo?

Technically, you don’t have to do anything to “join” Lettermo; you can just participate in your own way and in your own time. BUT, if you’d like to meet other letter writers, you can join the site – it’s free, and share your address. This way, your information isn’t just out on a public website (though it’s prudent to shield yourself by using a post office box rather than your home address). The site allows you to write up a profile of yourself that can include what you like to do, hobbies, and what kinds of things you’d like to write in your letters.

If this sounds fun to you, point your mouse over to lettermo.com and get started. Your mailbox will thank you!