WATCH: Chapin Couple Keeps Christmas Tradition Alive Through 51 Years of Marriage

51 years is evidence enough of a strong marriage, but for the Bensons of Chapin, all the triumphs and challenges that define a marriage are woven together through letters

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CHAPIN, S.C. (WOLO) — 51 years is evidence enough of a strong marriage, but for the Bensons of Chapin, all the triumphs and challenges that define a marriage are woven together through letters.

Each Christmas, Donna and Ken Benson look back on the year behind them, and write an informative, thoughtful letter to send out to friends and family. From 1964 to 2014, the letters bring the past to life.

Donna keeps a diary throughout the year. When the holidays come around, she makes notes of the entries and gives them to Ken, who crafts them into a captivating, witty letter.

“Getting started is the most difficult part,” Ken says. “I kind of look for a theme or an angle or something.”

The Bensons have compiled the letters into books for their two kids and six grandchildren.

The letters serve as correspondence among friends. Collectively, they form a family history that will be enjoyed for years to come.