Letter Writing: Connecting with Friends During Summer Holidays

Summer vacations are here, and your English teacher just assigned another letter-writing task, and you're probably thinking, "Seriously? In 2025? Why can't we just send a WhatsApp message?"

We totally get it. Letter writing feels ancient when you can video call someone across the globe in seconds. But here's the thing: there's something magical about putting pen to paper that even your teacher knows you're missing out on. Plus, you're stuck with this assignment anyway, so let's make it actually fun and meaningful instead of a last-minute Google copy-paste disaster.

Think about it: when was the last time you got a handwritten letter? Probably never, right? That's exactly why it's special. In a world of read receipts and instant replies, a letter is like finding treasure in your mailbox. It says, "Hey, someone took time out of their day just for you."

Your friend gets hundreds of notifications daily, but imagine them opening a real letter in your handwriting. That's going to stick with them way longer than your "wyd" text.

Don't overthink the beginning. Here are some natural ways to start:

Instead of boring "Dear Friend," try:

Pro tip: Always mention something specific – the weather, what you're doing right now, or what reminded you of them. It makes your letter feel real and immediate.

The best letters sound like you're talking to your friend face-to-face. Don't use fancy words you'd never say out loud. If you normally say "awesome," don't write "magnificent." Your friend wants to hear YOUR voice, not a dictionary.

Good tone: "Dude, you won't believe what happened in chemistry class yesterday!"

Awkward tone: "One must inform you of a most amusing incident that occurred during academic pursuits."

See the difference?

Here's where students usually get stuck. "What do we even write about?" Everything! Your life is more interesting than you think:

Remember: It's not about writing something groundbreaking. It's about sharing your world with someone who cares about you.

Don't just stop abruptly. Wrap it up nicely:

Then sign off with:

Here's what a real letter might look like:

June XX, 20XX

Hey Riya!

I hope this letter doesn't shock you too much. Who writes actual letters anymore? But Mrs. Sharma gave us this summer assignment, and honestly, it's kind of exciting to try something different for once.

I'm writing this while sitting in our backyard under the mango tree (yes, it's finally giving shade now that it's super hot). The sun is blazing, and it's making me think of all our summer plans. Remember last summer when we tried to have that "perfect beach day" and forgot sunscreen? We looked like tomatoes for a week!

Speaking of summer, what are your plans this year? Are you still going to your cousin's place in the hills? Remember you telling me about that cool river where you guys go swimming – I'm still so jealous! Our big excitement is probably going to be the family trip to Goa. Mom's already started packing even though we're leaving next month.

School feels like a distant memory already. You know how we always complain about homework? Well, now, with all this free time, things feel a bit weird. But honestly, this letter-writing assignment is turning out to be way more fun than expected. There's something nice about slowing down and actually thinking about what to say instead of just firing off quick texts.

Oh, and guess what? I've finally started reading the book you recommended, "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo." You were right, it's amazing! I'm already halfway through. We need to discuss this when we meet up!

Miss our random hangouts and inside jokes. Texting just isn't the same as sitting together at our favorite desk and talking about everything and nothing. I can't wait to see you soon so we can catch up properly. Maybe we can plan that movie marathon we always talk about?

Anyway, I should probably wrap this up before it turns into a novel. I hope your summer is amazing and filled with all your favorite things. Don't forget to take lots of pictures—I want to hear about everything when you write back (hint, hint)!

Missing you and sending lots of summer love your way!

Your friend always,

Aradhya

The best part about letters? There are no real rules. You can:

This might seem old-fashioned in our digital world. But sometimes, old-fashioned things stick around because they're actually pretty great. Your letter might be the highlight of your friend's day. It might be something they keep in a box and find years later, making them smile and remember your friendship.

So don't just copy-paste this assignment and forget about it. Take a few minutes to think about someone who matters to you. What would you want them to know? What would make them smile? Then write that down, in your own words, in your own way.

Who knows? You might actually enjoy it. And your friend definitely will. Now grab a pen and start writing; your friend is waiting to hear from you!