This special holiday is observed on January 23, the birthday of John Hancock — the first man to sign the Declaration of Independence. His autograph became so famous that we now commonly use ‘John Hancock’ as another term for ‘signature.’

Handwriting exercises a complex cognitive process involving neuro-sensory experiences and fine motor skills. By feeling the writing surface, holding the writing instrument, and directing precise movement with thought, you give your brain a full workout!

While on every other day of the year we turn to our keyboards and smartphones, let’s use National Handwriting Day as a chance to dust off the old pen or pencil and get writing. But you don't have to only write a letter. Other ways to celebrate include coloring and doodling. Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland, would not only hand write his work, but he would also add beautiful doodles within. Fun, right?

For me, I'm going to celebrate by writing letters. Actually, I've already begun. Maybe like my birthday month, I will celebrate National Handwriting Day for the entire month of January. There’s nothing quite like receiving a handwritten letter or card in the mail and unfortunately, this is becoming a lost art. Now is the perfect time to revive this tradition!

“What a lot we lost when we stopped writing letters.

You can’t reread a phone call.”

-Liz Carpenter