I have always been blessed with terrific neighbors, and this year, I am making an effort to do something just a little bit special for them. The holiday season gets crazy around here with what we call, “neighbor gifts.” These are just little mementos that we traditionally drop off on the doorstep of each of the neighbors on our block. And what’s kind of crazy is that most of them do the same. In the days leading up to Christmas, our doorbell rings at least twenty times and we’ll find a neighbor on our porch with a little holiday greeting: a tin of cocoa mix, some festive paper plates with a note about how they will do the dishes this year, and even dried pineapple and pistachios.
The Blessing of Great Neighbors
Today, I’ve been thinking about all of these good people and the impact they have on me all year long. They drop off fresh vegetables, invite us to backyard swim parties, and even warn us when we accidentally leave our garage door open. There’s something really special about having a community of people nearby who are looking out for us.
Here is my own brainstormed list of ways I have started to consider how I can make my own efforts as a neighbor more of a year-round thing, and not just the little annual holiday drop-off. I’m printing out a copy of this little quote and adding a treat, and you can just right-click on this image and make your own copy if you’d like to do the same.
Thoughtful Ideas to Start the Holiday Season
- Attach a card to a bag with chips and salsa that he can enjoy during the big Thanksgiving game.
- Drop the note off the day before Thanksgiving along with a pie or a bag of your favorite dinner rolls.
- Pencil in an invitation on the back of the card inviting your neighbor to join you for your family Turkey Bowl Touch Football Game.
- Attach the card to your favorite calorie-laden treat with the recipe included on the back.
- Attach your card to a Thanksgiving loaf of sweet bread with some fruit preserves that you deliver the day prior to Thanksgiving.
- Do any of your elderly or disabled neighbors need yard work or winterizing done? This is a great month to clean out rain gutters or rake leaves.
- Invite your closest neighbors to join you for a wreath-making party after Thanksgiving.
- How about getting together for a piecrust-making demonstration? Make pies in advance and freeze them to use later in the season.
- Will they be eating Thanksgiving dinner alone? Can you invite them to join your family for a meal this month?
Let me know if you have any favorite Thanksgiving memories with your neighbors. What will your newest “neighbor gift” be?