The holiday season is meant to be one of joy, celebration and fun festivities with loved ones. However, for busy writers the holidays can also bring added pressure as the encroaching deadlines are not just from editors but from friends, family and even colleagues who want to get together and exchange gifts.
The handy part of having a skill like writing is that you can create one-of-a-kind gifts using not much more than some nice paper and a pen. Skip the last-minute mall rush and craft meaningful, personalised gifts for the people on your list this year!
In the past, we have discussed the therapeutic benefits of journalling, including specific writing exercises or types of journals (like gratitude books) that you can keep to increase overall happiness. These practices have all dealt with your internal positivity and mood, rather than the happiness that you can bring to others. So, rather than keeping to yourself all the reasons you are grateful for the people in your life, why not tell them in a thoughtfully handwritten letter?
Recap: Keeping a Gratitude Journal
If you don’t already keep a gratitude journal, or at least take a few lines each entry to write down what you are thankful for, doing so can be an extremely uplifting and scientifically proven positive experience. It has been found that writing between three and ten things you are thankful for each day will contribute to better self-esteem, mental strength and even quality of sleep!
Turning It Into a Gift
Giving away your entire journal may be a bit too personal, but that doesn’t mean what you have written can’t inspire your letter writing. Begin by writing down all the reasons you are grateful to have the person in your life (from the sappy and sentimental to the lighthearted and laughable). Once you have drawn up the list you may see a common theme develop that helps guide you in formatting or decorating the letter, but if not it will be just as appreciated on some beautiful stationery.
And now that your gratitude letters are written, it’s time to get back to meeting those “real” deadlines!
Download Paperblanks® Journal Prompts
About Paperblanks®: At Paperblanks®, we believe that art should have a place in all aspects of life. That’s why we follow the artist’s way in everything we do – creating, crafting and releasing designs we believe have the power to touch people. For more about Paperblanks®, go to our website at paperblanks.com.
