When was the last time you received a real letter in the mail—one that was handwritten, folded with care, and addressed just to you?
Now let me flip that question. When was the last time you sent a letter like that to one of your grandchildren?
If you’re drawing a blank, you’re not alone. We live in a digital world where communication is instant and almost entirely screen-based. Texts, emails, and FaceTime dominate our interactions. So it’s easy to wonder: What possible place could an old-fashioned, handwritten letter have in my grandchild’s life?
As it turns out… a much bigger place than we might imagine.
A Lesson from Jeopardy!
I was reminded of this recently while watching an episode of Jeopardy! During the contestant interviews, the reigning champion was teased as having a “treasured collection.” Naturally, curiosity built. What could it be?
Her answer surprised everyone.
Her treasure was a collection of letters from her grandpa.
He didn’t live far away while she was growing up, yet he regularly wrote her letters—simple notes about his day, what he saw outside his window, and the small details of his life. Nothing fancy. Nothing profound. And yet, years later, those letters had become priceless to her.
That moment was a powerful reminder: what we might consider small and insignificant can become deeply meaningful in the life of a grandchild.
Three Reasons Letters Matter More Than Ever
1. Letters are personal.
Think about what it feels like to open your mailbox and find one envelope with your name handwritten on it. No barcode. No bulk mail. Just you.
Your grandchildren feel that too.
A handwritten letter says, I was thinking about you. I took time for you. It communicates love, security, and belonging in a way digital messages simply can’t replicate. Over time, these letters also help your grandchildren know you better and deepen the bond you share.
2. Letters create breathing space.
Yes, texts and emails are convenient—and sometimes necessary. But handwriting a letter slows us down. It presses pause on the rush of life and allows our thoughts to wander and settle.
And when your grandchild opens that letter? They pause too. They linger. They read words written just for them by someone who truly cares.
3. Letters are tangible.
I love my Kindle for travel, but given the choice between a physical book and an e-book, I’ll take the book every time. There’s something about holding it, turning pages, and returning to it again and again.
Handwritten letters are the same. They can be held, reread, tucked away, and rediscovered years later. They become pieces of your life shared with your grandchild—small but powerful expressions of love that may one day become treasured keepsakes.
A Simple Place to Start: Valentine’s Day
If most of your communication with your grandchildren has been digital, the idea of writing a letter might feel overwhelming. That’s okay. You don’t have to start big.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Instead of trying to write a multi-page masterpiece, take a baby step. Buy a Valentine’s card. Choose one that fits your grandchild’s personality. Then, before sealing the envelope, write a few personal lines inside.
Share a favorite memory. Mention something you admire about them. It’s not a full-blown letter—but it’s a meaningful beginning.
Practical Tips for Writing to Your Grandchildren
Once you’ve written that first card or letter, you’ll likely find the next one comes more easily. Here are some simple tips to help you keep going:
- Use print rather than cursive, especially for younger children.
- Keep letters short and simple—often that leaves them wanting more.
- Choose one topic and describe it well rather than covering many things.
- Skip the weather and focus on personal, meaningful topics.
- Affirm your grandchild. Tell them what you appreciate or admire, especially Christ-like qualities you see in their life.
- Share your own experiences—both successes and struggles. This is where relationships deepen and faith is modeled.
- Use humor. Laughter strengthens connection.
- Ask for your grandchild’s advice.
- Highlight important lines you don’t want them to miss.
- Include drawings, photos, coloring pages, or small surprises like stickers or gum.
- Create a special signature or personal touch they’ll recognize every time.
- If you have multiple grandchildren in one home, plan ahead so letters arrive fairly and thoughtfully.
One important reminder: once a letter leaves your hands, delivery is out of your control—so a little planning goes a long way.
Handwritten letters are deeply satisfying in ways electronic communication can never match, no matter how well written the message. And the joy your grandchildren experience when they find a letter addressed just to them in the mailbox? That joy is hard to overstate.
What feels small to you today may become a treasure they carry for a lifetime.
