Happy Mail [Happ-ee Meyl]
Letters, packages etc. intended to make the recipient feel delighted, pleased or glad, that are sent and delivered by the postal system.
Who isn’t delighted by a personal letter, postcard or package landing in their mailbox, especially in today’s worrying times? Some of you may know that I already regularly correspond via snail mail, but now more than ever I think that it is important to bring a smile to people’s faces. Earlier in the week, I put a shout out on my Facebook profile asking if any of my friends (near or far) would like a letter or postcard sent to them and as a result, I’ve got mail going out to places such as Sweden, USA (Florida) and even as far as St Helena (an island in the South Atlantic Ocean)!
Happy mail can be something as small as a postcard with a few words on, a letter (as short or as long as you’d like) or even a package of goodies. It’s just something you think would put a smile on someone’s face.
So, who could you write to? Anyone! Friends, family… Think about who would be cheered up by some happy mail. Do you have elderly relatives self-isolating? Don’t forget, residents in care homes would be very grateful for some happy mail! Even if you don’t know anybody in a care home, you can address a postcard to “The Residents” at a care home to brighten their day.
I’ve got a friend who’s had a tough time lately, so I decided to surprise her with a postcard. It’s just a small gesture, but I hoped it would put a smile on her face. Yesterday, I received a message saying:
“Awwww Nikki, thanks so much for my card, I’ve just received it! It’s really cheered me up and definitely a bit of me! It’s going up on my wall when I can get it framed!!!”
So in return, it put a smile on my face too!
To make my mail that bit happier, I like to decorate my envelopes. Nothing too extravagant, I just use rubber stamps and some colouring pencils. It’s simple but effective and I’ve had some lovely comments about them.
Will you be writing any letters or sending any happy mail during the lockdown?
I love both sending and receiving mail. I’ve sent a couple of pieces of mail during lockdown and I’ve got more to send.
I think I’ve been sending more than ever!
That’s such a lovely idea! I haven’t thought of doing that during this lockdown, definitely something to try to brighten someone’s day 🙂
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
I love the happy mail inpsirations you’ve shared and I definitley want to send some cards myself – just need to get hold of sound stamps and I think I will 🙂
Sarah x
The written letter, note, card, etc., is more of a meaningful way to express your feelings to someone, isn’t it? The internet has allowed us to become much more cavalier, even disposable, in our relationships. It’s nice to see that taking the time to sit down and write down some thoughts hasn’t died of extinction. 😉
I have to admit that, since I have been home under forced lockdown (hubbie has underlying health issues), it is good to hear the light thump of mail being launched through the letter box, just to let me know that there is indeed life outside of my garden!
I suddenly realised that I didn’t have birthday cards for any of the many April and May dates in my diary, so although this truly goes against the grain, I have had to resort to using one of the online card distributors, to send our Best Wishes. The only problem, I managed to get one card finished, then the site crashed, with a message saying that they could take no further orders until tomorrow, as they are over capacity. It seems as though everyone else in the same situation must have had the same last minute panic thoughts!
I do love my books for making notes or jotting down quotes during my reading and generally refer back to them when writing my review. I know that I mark passages on my Kindle, but it’s just not the same somehow!
I hope that yourself and your family are managing to stay safe and well during these strange times 🙂
Yvonne
xx
When I realised I hadn’t got a birthday card for my nephew, I decided to design and print one to pop in the post. Saying that, I do have countless amounts of card making supplies!
That’s putting your time in lockdown to good use, Nikki! An excellent idea. Your envelope decorations are wonderful.
Thank you!
Excellent post, Nikki!! I’ve got Easter cards for my grandchildren addressed and ready to pop in a mailbox this week. I’ve always used fun stickers on the outside of my envelopes and was glad I had some cute Easter stickers in my stash. 🙂
This is such a great idea! It’s also a win-win situation, you cheer someone else up, which then cheers you up.
I love the added details to the envelopes too. A perfect little project for during lockdown to keep you busy!
Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
They look lovely! Such a nice and unexpected gesture, I know something like this would put a smile on my face in these difficult times. I might send a few this week x
Sophie
Your cards are great! Nice idea.
I saw the envelopes on Instagram and they look so nice. Well done for spending time writing and also creating these wonderful envelopes too.
Aww, I love this post! Happy mail can really brighten someone’s day! I really love the decorated envelopes too, they are so cute and creative! Those extra touches can really make a big difference. Thank you for sharing Nikki! <3 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
I love that people are finding ways to make a difference right now – both big and small. We can waste our time complaining, or take small actions that make a difference. Each one adds up, and as you said, makes both the receiver and giver feel good.
This act is a delightfully personal one, and oh-so wonderful
Lovely!
I used to PenPal quite a bit but finding the time to do that these days is a struggle. Now that the schools are closed, my daughter is supposed to be writing letters with some of her friends, although I have yet to see any evidence of it! Happy Mail is such a lovely way to show you care though, thank you for sharing 🙂 x
Thanks for this, Nikki. I did send a little happy mail earlier on but this is a good reminder for Easter cards and other fun things. Just because. I may go through my Christmas list. I don’t have a lot of Easter cards in my pile but lots of spring things. You’re right — it means so much. I love the cards you shared and I’m so glad you are getting mail!
I love sending and receiving mail, but hadn’t thought of specifically doing some happy mail now that we’re home for the lockdown. I think you just gave me some inspiration to pass some of my time in the coming days haha
I’m so happy to have given you some inspiration!
Your envelopes are so gorgeous.
Thank you!
Such a lovely thing to do. I have not sent anything by post but I have tried to keep in touch with people by phone.
Happy mail is a great idea! My mom is in a senior apartment complex, and they are now basically stuck in their apartments with no visitors, and meals and mail delivered to their door. It’s for her safety, but hard on her emotionally. She told me today that she’s received letters from her church friends and those cheered her up so much!! I call her daily, but actual letters go a long way.
I love sending snail mail and happy mail, especially now!
It is great that people are still doing snailmail! I love that there are so many cute decorations that are out there :). I love writing letters but buying stamp is such a hassle!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
I buy my stamps online (quite a few at a time), so save the hassle.
What a great idea! Happy Mail is a wonderful way to stay connected.
Such a lovely thing to be doing, well done you
I know this is an old blog but I have just come across you – just spent a happy hour reading all your work. Lovely ( inspirational) stuff. I am replying to this one because during lock down I also felt the need to write and post letters. i was saddened by how many people said they were lonely and then how nice it was for them to receive a letter. On the back of it, and whilst my real business was mothballed, I started up a pen pal club. This has given me so much pleasure – and others also I hope. Thank you for the nudge to continue with my letters