(Image courtesy of asenat29)
The holiday season is the time of year where most of us are more giving than we would be at other times. This season, put that giving spirit to good use and make new connections and friendships with your neighbors by inviting them to share in your holiday traditions. Offering a small gift to your neighbors this time of year could help you build a lasting friendship that spans the length of your stay in your apartment.
If you do choose to include a gift exchange with your neighbor for this year’s holiday festivities, you don’t have to go all out and break the bank. This article from apartmentguide.com has a few great ideas to get you started.
Your good neighbor policy
What makes good neighbors in your book? It might be the neighbor you trust to come into your apartment when you can’t be there to walk your dog or water your plants. Maybe it’s a neighbor who gets the mail when you’re out of town or who shares some of the cookies they bake with you. A good neighbor might just be a friendly face you see regularly, the person who smiles and waves and makes you feel like a good neighbor yourself. Whatever criteria you use, make a mental note as you encounter these people that you’d like to show your appreciation with a small, seasonal gift.
Holiday gestures
For many, the holidays are the time for swapping all kinds of gifts with a generosity that may not show up during the rest of the year. Your holiday gift list for good neighbors might include:
- A festive ornament or vase
- A great-smelling candle
- A homemade treat
- A bottle of quality olive oil
- A warm scarf
- Something for their pet
Liquid sustenance
In a cold season, why not share the warmth of a hot drink? Give your neighbor a hot cocoa set complete with good-quality hot chocolate and cheery mugs. If a drink with a bit of a kick feels appropriate, consider a bottle of wine (not too expensive!) or a tasty liqueur.
Welcome presents
When a new resident moves into a community, there is so much for that person to do to settle in that meeting neighbors might not be the first priority. So, whether it’s the holiday season or not, why not share an inviting spirit with folks who move in near you in the community?
Prepare a simple gift to introduce yourself and let them know you’re glad they’ve arrived. You can make something as simple as a batch of baked goods, adding a bundle of ribbon-tied brochures as a list of resources your new neighbor might like to know about. You can share info about local spots from schools and libraries to your favorite restaurants and movie theaters. Gift cards and coupons are thoughtful, as is the housewarming staple, a live plant. You could also assemble a decorative pail of cleaning supplies. Just about any act of thoughtfulness might brighten the day of your new neighbor and communicate your welcome!
Just because!
The nicest gifts are often those given “just because” — no belief, creed or annual celebration necessary! If you’re out shopping and find something that you know your neighbor would enjoy – something that would really compliment her and her apartment — bring it on home to give! Flowers or vegetables from your balcony or patio garden make wonderful spontaneous gifts, as well. The gift of your time is another valuable thing you can share — especially if you are close friends with your neighbor.
Good neighbors are who they are because it’s their instinct — they certainly don’t expect anything in return. That’s why it’s so important to thank them in small, but personally meaningful ways. Share your holiday spirit with a present that says, “I’m glad you’re my neighbor!”
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