I've moved to London for half a year and don't know the culture that much. We don't really know each other. Not even enter their house. Only say hello and chat little when we meet nearby. But the kids are really cute. Should I give them some little things like chocolate at X'mas, just to show friendliness or is it not necessary?
2006-11-22 09:55:11 · 26 answers · asked by anita b 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Ask mum first.
2006-11-22 09:57:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
You should never give children food/treats without asking parents because of allergies and/or dietary restrictions. We have children on our street who will, in a few years - be teenagers with friends and cars, etc. and we want to establish a really great relationship with them NOW so they all respect us later. When we moved in two years ago, we introduced ourselves to the parents and had an open-house party one afternoon so they could get to know us and our handicapped child. Just before Christmas the first year, we simply said "We really celebrate Christmas at our house and would enjoy giving your children small gifts. Would you mind?" They were pleased that we asked and graciously said Thank you". (We figured they celebrated christmas because of the lights all over the house, the Santa in the window, and the tree being dragged into the house - DUH!!) I am sure that, if they had been Jewish or another faith, they would have said so, and then we would have said " Thank you for telling us. Is there a treat that would be appropriate, and what day is best?" With our former neighbours, this worked well and we knew to give gold-wrapped chocolates and drindles on the last night of Hannukah! Children are actually a very nice way to learn about cultures. Gifts for the neighbour's children are never necessary but they are a nice way to show that you appreciate their friendliness and their good parenting skills!
2006-11-22 10:45:15 · answer #2 · answered by Wifeforlife 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thats a nice thought and a chance to get to know the parents aswell.But keep in mind that as you don`t really know them its better if you only spend a pound or two ,anything more might seem odd . Write the family a card and get the kids a selection box or a chocolate santa ,something like that and take it round on xmas eve , then they can put it under the tree or whatever and it can`t look cheeky .Who knows you could end up with new friends But if you don`t want to it`s not something thats expected of you.and no one will take it the wrong way .
2006-11-22 10:42:14 · answer #3 · answered by keny 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I moved in to a house a while back when my kids were little and the lady next door gave them a few lollies at Christmas I didn't mind and thought it was a lovely touch, later I moved next door to a house where there were little kiddies and I scattered Easter eggs around their back yard, their mum didn't mind. I think its a lovely gesture, if you are concerned ask their mum if she would mind you giving the kids a little something but be aware that she may be concerned that she has to repay in kind and that may be an issue....I would do it on the day as I hope you don't mind I have a little something for your adorable kids that way she will be more receptive it is the season of goodwill....I believe in practicing random acts of kindness it feels good, costs little and brightens peoples days.....there should be more neighbors like you willing to be neighborly :-) Merry Christmas :-)
2006-11-22 10:08:03 · answer #4 · answered by Just Thinking 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its not necessary but it would be a nice thing to do. Best to stick to something though like tube of chocolate buttons these generally tend to be safe for all ages definately make sure whatever it is doesnt contain nuts. Wouldnt spend more than couple of quid and get all kids same thing so there is no fighting.
2006-11-22 10:23:35 · answer #5 · answered by Perfect-Angel84 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as you check out with the parents first I don't see how there can be any problems.
Christmas is all about the giving and receiving be it family or friends.
When I was younger we all got presents from the people up the street from us.
It is just such a shame that an innocent gesture in todays society can sometimes be regarded as something more sinister.
2006-11-22 10:05:09 · answer #6 · answered by dunfie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Whilst its not necessarily, I would say that it would be a very nice neighbourly gesture.
Neighbours do seem to ignore each other a lot it this day and age, and I think things like that are a really nice touch. Chocolates for kids are a good idea! (Especially those nice selection boxes - I used to love getting those as a kid!!)
Good luck, and lets hope that lots of people pinch your idea as well, and become "good neighbours"!
Oh and have a Merry Christmas yourself! :)
2006-11-23 18:35:11 · answer #7 · answered by Shane 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's not necessary. It's kind of you, and if you want to, ask their mom what they can have; for instance, 'can Joey and Sue have candy? I'd like to buy them a little something for Christmas'. That lets mom know, also, that you're not up for a major gift, i.e. the Barbie custom car little Susie wants and it costs a fortune. (I got into that situation once...it's not fun to explain, 'no, I had more in mind, say, a big peppermint cane or something'.)
2006-11-22 10:29:01 · answer #8 · answered by Baby'sMom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that is a really nice gesture. If you don't know the family very well it is not really necessary, but a little bit of kindness doesn't do anyone any harm, and Christmas is about friendship and giving.
2006-11-24 08:14:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course you can - this may enable you to get to know them better!
A selection box is not costly and the children will love it.
I moved into this house just before Christmas a few years back and because i didn't know anyone, i sent them all cards!
You are a good neighbour - go for it!
2006-11-22 21:17:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
To be on the safe side, since you really aren't friends with the parents, you might keep it off the food side and give them each a little toy. Present the wrapped gift to the mom rather than to the child - to put under the tree.
2006-11-22 13:34:18 · answer #11 · answered by north79004487 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋