we're new to the neighborhood and it is a HIGHLY social neighborhood. we all have kids who play together. i'm looking for work but until i find it, things are tight... i'm embarassed.
2006-12-22 03:32:27 · 14 answers · asked by j in oz 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I gave gifts to my neighbors for Christmas, but do not expect anything in return. THAT is the true meaning of gift-giving. To give and NOT EXPECT to receive. :)
If they are good neighbors (friends), they will know your employment status and understand your financial strain and will not expect a gift in return.
Merriest of Christmases to you and yours!
2006-12-22 03:38:15 · answer #1 · answered by BB 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
The only thing you are socially obligated to do is send each family a thank you note. (And no, you do not apologize for not being able to gift them in return.) If you have the time and/or inclination to, as suggested, bake cookies or some other treat for everyone, then that is an added bonus for them.
If your neighbours think badly of you because they were expecting more, then they really aren't as nice as they seem to be.
Never feel embarrassed about finances being tight. A lack of money to go around is a simple fact of life. Now, spend the Holidays guilt free!
2006-12-22 12:10:50 · answer #2 · answered by castle h 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't feel down about this. I like to give a few unexpected small gits at the holidays without expecting anything in return. I feel good about it. They probably had the same intention.
Send a nice thank you note and when you have a little extra $ to spare, surprise them in a small way -- maybe a gift certificate to a movie or have them over for a spaghetti dinner.
2006-12-22 12:08:45 · answer #3 · answered by HelloHello 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Homemade coupons are a great idea. Another nice thing to do is to make a "Thank You" card with your child/children. Use paints or crayons or markers. Do a holiday scene or a portrait of that neighbor's family. Something personal that they'll appreciate. If you write something like "We're lucky to have such wonderful neighbors" they'll eat it up. Hopefully... Anyhow, just make it colorful and large and drop it off in person.
2006-12-22 11:55:43 · answer #4 · answered by Gennie Goose 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Buy some seed packets or bulbs (on sale at nurserys and hardware stores now), wrap them up nicely, and put a pretty tag on them saying something about how thrilled you are to be a new part of such a wonderful neighborhood, and hope your friendship with your neighboor will blossom as beautfiully as these seeds.
Inexpensive, but meaningful.
2006-12-22 11:41:03 · answer #5 · answered by teresathegreat 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
Give them your time. Offer to watch their children for an hour or something similar. They'll appreciate it and it doesn't cost you a dime. You could even print out little coupons on your computer to put inside the cards.
2006-12-22 11:42:32 · answer #6 · answered by exj132 3 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Make cerificates for 1 play date at your house, all invited for couple hours so [arents can finish last min preps for holidays....or free babysitting on New Years, etc
2006-12-22 11:41:16 · answer #7 · answered by nugirl 2 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I don't make a lot of money either, so I'm giving everyone either mix CD's that I made and enlargements of pictures that I took and framed.
Maybe you could do something like that!
2006-12-22 11:52:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
bake em some cookies. thats not too expensive. or just tell them you really apprciate the gifts but you cant do anything for them right now cause of your situation
2006-12-22 11:38:24 · answer #9 · answered by Georgia Peach 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Send them thank you notes. They should not expect anything in return.
2006-12-22 19:10:34 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋