A Memory Letter Is a Great Gift

Don't worry, I haven't lost it. The reason I am putting up a Christmaslike poster two days before Thanksgiving is a sane one. The quote got me to thinking about a personal gift you can give this year, or at any time.

Create a Memory Letter for various people. After you write about your memories with that person, enfold it in a special card or tuck into a pretty box tied with a sparkly ribbon. Write about a memory, or memories, that involve that person. Tell your Aunt Suzy about the times you spent the night at her house and what it meant to you. Or write to Uncle Ted about the time he took you swimming at a lake far from home and the car broke down and you cried. Or whatever happened.

Write to a sibling and you might end up with a lengthy piece. Highlight those memories that stand out for you, things like--sharing a room, taking turns doing kitchen chores, fights you had over nothing and then made up. 

Write to your best childhood friend or a fraternity brother or a friend who went all through grade school with you. Write about the funny things, the times you loved and what you learned.

If this is a gift, you shouldn't write about any grievances you might have. Aim for positive things. Maybe you can write about a difficult time and how it affected you and the way you got through it with that person's help. 

If you write a letter filled with memories as a gift for your mother or father, be sure to let them know how much you appreciated this or that as you grew up. Kids don't thank parents for things in their everyday life over the years, but later the memories emerge and they realize what their parents did for them. It's never too late to show your appreciation and love. The same goes for grandparents if you are fortunate enough to still have them.

What about a letter to your doctor or your longtime hairdresser? It would mean a great deal to people who have offered you a service for many years. Tell them what you admire about them, what special things you appreciate. 

Anyone who receives a memory letter from you will be touched and pleased. The letter gift will be remembered long after it was given, unlike the gift you might have picked up in a department store. 

The December holidays are still far enough away that you will have time to write your Memory Letters. Pick a few people as recipients this year and do others next year. Or for their birthday. 

No returns, no gift card that runs out on a certain date, no worries about sizes or likes/dislikes. A Memory Letter may be the best gift ever!