We all have mementos, those precious keepsakes from a loved one, a special event or an unforgettable holiday. Not surprising for a writer, my favorite mementos are the notes and letters that I have received over the years. I’ve saved letters from our sons while away at camp, notes of promise used as bargaining tools by same sons, letters from my husband when we’ve been separated by work or space, cards and notes from both my mom and dad while I was away at college, and my mom’s handwritten recipes.

Why is the written word so emotionally packed for me? Several reasons, I suppose. Having been educated in the old-fashioned drill of handwriting exercises, I’ve always been fascinated by the strokes each writer uses, whether printed or scripted. (And this from a woman who writes in a variety of forms, from crude scratches to perfect Palmer cursive to flamboyant signatures with curlicues and fuss.) As I learn the best about a person, I find characteristics in his/her handwriting that demonstrate those traits. It seems as if their penmanship is a kind of mirror of who they are.

Handwritten notes are personal. For a given period of time, the writer stopped the busyness and sat, reflected and wrote thoughts intended specifically for me. And if the words didn’t say what was in his mind or heart, he rewrote. I can even study the pen marks on a sheet of paper and see where the writer stopped, or how quickly his thoughts came by how rushed certain words look on the page. What an intimate gift!

And handwritten missives last forever. I can sit down and reread those messages to revisit that person, to relive a moment from long ago, or to remind myself of the good and joy that I’ve experienced. And, who doesn’t reread letters? We all do because they may offer comfort, humor, encouragement, compassion or insight again and again. For a few quiet minutes, those words buoy our spirits.

It’s for these very reasons that I have saved one category of written mementoes for the end. These are the many letters and notes that students and parents sent me while I was a classroom teacher. I have many because I never threw one away. Students thanked me for making learning relevant and fun. Some told me why a particular field trip was so important for them. Parents thanked me for igniting a reader where there hadn’t been one. One mother told me she appreciated how honestly I shared my emotions with the students while my mother was dying of cancer.

I’ve read and reread these letters. But I have to admit that it’s the children’s notes that hold the dearest place in my heart. Sometimes they were cards with their thoughts, or a torn piece of notebook paper with a spontaneous sentiment, and some have been emails sent years later to tell me what they remember about our time together.

So, as an ex-classroom teacher of more than eighteen years, I am encouraging you to write a holiday note to your favorite educator instead of buying a gift. Oh, I gratefully accepted the coffee mugs, the gift certificates and the knick-knacks. But nothing showed true consideration and good will as much as a handwritten letter. It doesn’t have to be long. It doesn’t have to be written in formal English. Just take a moment and think of the one reason that you’re delighted that your child is with this teacher. If possible, and your child is willing, have him or her write a holiday note to the teacher.
I’m sure some of you will think, Is that enough? It certainly is. A gift of time and thoughtfulness. One that is personal and can be read and reread. What could be better?

I can’t imagine.

Author's Note:  Reading Between the Lines is a new column about books, reading, children, writing and an occasional book review. It will reflect my experiences as a teacher, consultant, writer, published author and workshop facilitator. I hope these musings bring you to a closer appreciation of words and what they can do for all of us.

Lola Schaefer is the author of more than 200 books for children, as well as a national writing consultant in elementary and middle schools. You may visit www.lolaschaefer.com to learn more about her and her work.