Year-end crafts Part 4: Writing, the craft of writing

Year-end Handicrafts Part 4

Writing, the craft

As the end of the year approaches, I suddenly start to miss the act of writing.
A message to add to letters, New Year's cards, diaries, and gifts.
At the end of the year, spell out words by hand.

It is for someone, and at the same time,
It's a quiet craft to bring your own mind into order.

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A moment of silence before writing

I took out the letter paper and picked up the pen.
But I won't start writing right away.
Staring at the white paper for a while,
I remember that person's face, their voice, and the words we exchanged.

That moment of silence is where the act of writing begins.

The words slowly emerge from the depths of the heart.
Don't rush, don't be impatient, just wait quietly.
This is the first step in the manual craft of "writing."

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Temperature and time in handwriting

Handwritten letters contain the "warmth" of the person writing them.
Slightly tilted letters, faded ink,
Indescribable feelings seep into the margins between the lines.

For example, the calligraphy on a New Year's card I received from my grandmother.
For example, the round letters in a letter a friend gave me.
Even if it is just a short sentence, it certainly conveys the time of that person.

If digital characters are "information,"
Handwritten letters may represent "memories."

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New Year's cards, seasonal letters

New Year's cards are seasonal letters unique to Japan.
This is a custom of sending New Year's greetings and wishes for a happy new year.

In recent years, more and more people are using email and social media.
But the joy I feel when I receive a New Year's card.
The feel of the paper and the scent of ink fill the air the moment you open your mailbox.
These are "tangible words" that cannot be obtained digitally.

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Writing clears the mind

When we write a letter to someone, we naturally look into our own hearts.

"What kind of year has this been?"
What do you want to tell this person?
What words do you need right now?

The act of writing is also a time to quietly delve deep into yourself.

And when I finish writing, I find that I feel a little lighter.

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Writing opens up the future

Letters not only allow us to look back on the past, but also hold the key to unlocking the door to the future.

"Let's meet again"
"I hope you'll be well next year too."
"Let's go to that place together someday."

By putting it into words, the yet unseen time gradually takes shape.

Writing is believing in the future.
And the desire to share that future with someone.

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Today's Extra Step

Why not grab some writing paper and a pen and write a letter to someone on one day at the end of the year?

It doesn't have to be a long sentence.
"thank you"
"How are you"
"I'd love to see you again."

That one word can warm someone's heart,
It will surely light a quiet light in your own heart as well.

And if you can't think of anyone to write to,
It's also great to write to yourself.

"To Me This Year"
"You did a great job."
"Next year, you can take it easy too."

By writing, the voice deep inside my heart
It may come out quietly in words.