My mother does this really cool thing on our 30th birthday. She writes us a beautiful letter. I wanted to do the same for my kids. But, of course, I have to max every thing out to the limit. 🙂 So began the series of letters to my children. Before each little bundle was delivered, I had written a letter to them. Daddy did the same, or within a few days of their birth. These letters are all framed or hung in some way in their rooms, with a copy in their baby books. Each child will get another letter on their 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th -okay, now I think I’m going to live to 100!- birthdays. As each turns 5, I have made notes of things I want to include about them for their 10 year, because memories do fade, but even the small things are special.
Why include this here? I think this is an idea that everyone can use. You don’t have to have started this before they were born. As I mentioned, my mom did this for our 30th birthday. It could start with their 10th, their sweet 16, their think-they-know-better-than-you 18th. Their wedding day or birth of their first child? Or, how about for your grandchildren? A letter from grandma to cherish over the years would be a wonderful thing! What about a Godchild? It’s an any time gift, really. Special occasion or not, a heart-felt letter makes the giver and receiver feel so much love.
What to include in the letter? Maybe you’re not a word person, or need inspiration. It doesn’t have to be long, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. Look through some pictures and talk about memories. Or, like our letters at birth, talk about your hopes and dreams for them. If you click on the following links, you can see the letters from me to my babies. These are here for you if you want some ideas, or if you’re just curious how sappy I really get about my schmoopies. If you’re a little less crazy about sap, skip the links and get to writing!
What a wonderful idea! Thank you for sharing them with us.
You’re welcome!
That is a great idea ! Who thought that up ? I also give my kids a 40th birthday letter. Your letters to your children at birth are inspiring & put my letters to shame. But they make me proud,because you make me proud to be your mom.
Thanks, Mom! I got all the good mommy stuff from you. The parts where I screw up I take full credit for!
I did the same for mine while I was pregnant. So beautiful. Loved reading your letters to your schmoopies!
Pregnancy is the perfect time for this! Since nothing makes you cry then, right? 😉 My paper always got soaked with tears.