Is that even a word? This will be my 3rd Christmas in this area. The first Christmas, I took great delight in hand delivering some homemade cards to my immediate neighbours (that means two to the left; two to the right and all opposite - bear in mind "opposite" is subjective because between me and the "two to the left" means a tennis court size "opposite"). Now, when I was growing up, any "new" neighbour was greeted by the residents either when they arrived, or, at a seasonal event (whichever was most appropriate). Nonetheless, I felt no qualms being the instigator. That 1st Christmas, only 2 neighbours (one to the right and one directly opposite) reciprocated. Fair enough; I'm not out to score brownie points, merely being "neighbourly". Same thing happened last year. Fair enough, not everyone is of the same ilk. But, this year, it has got me thinking! (Oh dear, dangerous Mum, very, veeeeery dangerous ). You cannot escape news items which bemoan the "loss" of community; yet, here is an ideal opportunity, offered on a plate, for my immediate "community" to feel a sense of belonging. One which has, so far, been quite miniscule in its reciprocation. So, the question begs to be asked: you get a card from a new neighbour - you neglect to respond; why?
A most excellent question Mum. I can think of several possible answers. * You weren't expecting them, so you haven't bought enough cards to go round. * You're in one of the religions that take offence at christmas cards (my wife's granny got a snotty note from their new neighbour in response to a christmas card, having a go about false prophets and commercialism etc, from their very religious new neighbour). * You mean to, but forget, or just don't get round to it with everything else that's going on. I think that last point is probably the most likely one in most cases.
Well, I'm not the most Christmassy of people, Mum, but whether it's Christmas or a Neighbours known birthday they get a card. New neighbours usually introduce themselves with a knock on the door or you see them outside doing something and introduce yourself. We usually find out when somebody needs help with something, like taking the bins out, mowing the lawns, etc. Having said that, there are only 6 Houses in the Grove so it's a small community. We will have a new neighbour after Christmas as my next door neighbour is moving to a bigger house and is in the middle of the move. So if we get a card from a new neighbour we do return the favour.
It's a real word....... http://www.thefreedictionary.com/_/dict.aspx?word=neighbourliness And you're a nice lady!
We always do the welome bit and have some good get togethers with the neighbours...Unless it's the one with the thumping great 12ft trampoline hanging over our fence
Well, in that case, loli ... I'll be your 'tramp' (for a Christmas card and a spot of neighbourliness )
The only neighbours I get Christmas cards from are my next door neighbour and my muslim neighbours over the road
I'm stuck what to put on my neighbour's card. To <his name> and the many women who come at all hours of the night? Will be giving out 6 cards on my street, most of them we get on with really really well. We've been told by other neighbours which ones don't give out Christmas cards back so we don't bother.
I've been in this house for about 5 years now and have got to know one set of neighbours very well, the rest not so much. I made a point of introducing myself after moving in (can't be waiting about wondering why people aren't neighbourly if I'm not taking action myself) and sent out a the cards every year; some returned the favour others not (first year I said 'To all at xxxx' from Me). It got to a point where it's all friendly waving and the odd chat so last year I was a bit more pushy and invited the lot of them round to get everyone talking at Christmas - they loved it! 'Oh we should have done this years ago' etc It hasn't changed a damn thing of course but the next bash is on the 19th...
Been here ten years and the only ones that have made any effort is the ones across the way from us. Other than that, we try to get others involved, but no spirit here. Will try again this year, who knows???
We just send to either side- one is my landlord, and the gentleman on the other side is a very nice elderly man, with his single/divorced son living with him- he lost his wife unexpectedly this time last year, and his dog died Xmas eve last year as well. Poor fella. He saves me jars, toilet rolls and anything I need for my gardening needs, I reciprocate making him jam/marmalade. This is only our second Xmas here, though we do know a few of the other neighbours, we do not send them cards.
