World Postcard Day

Today is World Postcard Day. Click here to learn about the history of the postcard. 

I've been 'Postcrossing' for quite a while. So far, I've sent 298 to every corner of the globe and received 304 from almost every country you can think of. I love receiving the cards. Finding a postcard lying behind my front door is pure joy! From the carefully handwritten messages, to the colourful images and stamps, postcards are little surprises that delight, inspire and connect me with strangers.

Reading the handwritten messages brings me closer to people in other countries, even though I've never met them, and reminds me that essentially we are all the same, all trying to make connections, all wanting peace, security and happiness for our families and friends.

So why not send someone a postcard? Perhaps send a postcard to those family members who might live far away. The children in your life might have not yet had the pleasure of finding a postcard, just for them, in their letterbox, so you could be the first to surprise them!

Maybe you know an elderly person who could use some cheering up when perhaps they are feeling a bit lonely.

Postcards are a great way too to catch up with friends you haven’t seen in a while, letting them know how you’re doing and that you’re thinking about them.

You could even join 'Postcrossing' (it's free) and send a postcard to someone across the world. 

Writing Prompts:

• Write a postcard (by hand) to someone you have not seen for a while (living or dead), but who holds a special place in your heart. What would you really like to say to them? Write with honesty and passion. Post it if you can and if you want to. 

• Who in the world would you like to send you a postcard? What would you like them to say? Write about it.
  
• Choose a world figure (perhaps Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Sir Keir Starmer, Joe Biden or Benjamin Netanyahu) and write them a postcard.