We have had big changes in our lives this year. One of which, and certainly not the least of which, was moving our family from a busy urban area of California to small town Louisiana. We live out in the country, our home is one of five houses in a line that is basically surrounded by forest. We love it. The first people we met were our next door neighbors. They have been an amazing blessing in our lives. They are super friendly, easy to get along with, they invited us to their church (that we now call home), their teenage girls babysit our little girls, the mom and I go walking in the evenings, the dad and my husband do the yardwork together, hang out doin guy stuff in the garage together. It feels like we have always known them. They have really helped us feel like we are home.
Now here is the question part. I would like to get them something nice, or do something nice for them for Christmas. Husband and wife (in their late 30's) parents of 2 teen girls. My heart wants to think big and get them each something really nice, but my pocketbook says otherwise. Any ideas (not terrible expensive) for what to give or do for a wonderful family?
write a handwritten note... about how you appreciate their kindness... then attach it to some home-baked cookies or something.
Remember, showing appreciation... does NOT have to be expensive nor extravagant.... it is the 'message' that matters most.
all the best,
Susan
I like the idea of having them over for dinner, or starting some sort of holiday tradition with them. That way it wouldn't be too much of a stretch for them to reciprocate ( sp)and you can do as much as your budget allows.
How about baking them something? cookies, breads, make fudge. Something that their girls might like is a homemade ornament from your girls since you said one of them watches your girls. Or a gift card to a resturant in town is always a sure bet.
put together a family basket. You can do a nice one for about $50
get a basket fill it with
a box of microwave popcorn, some big bottles of pop, a game some gift cards for stuff like pizza, movies etc and maybe some candy of some sort. the candy and popcorn you can get at the dollar store. I make at least one of these baskets every year. they are always a huge hit.
dinner have them over for dinner
Take them out to dinner at a nice restaurant.
I like the idea of a family basket. Maybe you can make it a game nite theme, with games like Cranium or Catch Phrase. You can still include popcorn, pretzels, soda, etc.
I also love the idea of inviting them over for dinner. You can do a special toast to them, and maybe have your little girls make a craft project for their babysitters.
I, too, love love the idea of starting some new tradition with them. DO you know if they have some standing plans for New Years? If not, maybe you could do that...Eve or Day...have a nice casual dinner...yummy desserts.....some fun activities for the kids/family..... (Fondue is fun for family things like this!!)
Make a nice family fun pack for them as a Christmas gift, and perhaps make a nice invite for a dinner together, including all of the family and work out the "when" part?
