Did you know today is National Good Neighbor Day? According to National Day Calendar:
National Good Neighbor Day is observed annually on September 28. This day was created to acknowledge and celebrate the importance of a good neighbor. It is a blessing to have a good neighbor, but it is even a greater thing to BE a good neighbor.
I couldn’t agree more that it’s a great thing to be a good neighbor! Read on for a few easy ways to build (or improve) your relationship with your neighbors.
Maintain the Appearance of Your Home: While this sounds like a simple thing to do, it’s often easier said than done. For instance, how often do we leave up our holiday decorations up past their expiration date? It happens more often than many of us would like to admit.
An easy way to keep up your curb appeal is to simply be mindful. Whether you live in a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association or a complex, adhering to a set of guidelines that contribute to the appearance, and overall value, of your community is a great way to be a good neighbor.
Think of Unique Ways to Help: Simple, random acts of kindness are a great way to cultivate positive relationships with your neighbor(s). So, instead of waiting for the next time your neighbor may come asking for help, consider how you can help before there’s even a need!
If you know your neighbor has an upcoming event, offer to lend an extra hand with food preparation or setup. Or perhaps you could consider mowing your neighbor’s lawn next time you mow your own.
Inform Neighbors About Your Party: Hosting a dinner party, cookout or other large-scale event at your home? Be sure to give your neighbors notice in advance that you plan to entertain a large number of guests, and also, how long your event will last. A little consideration goes a long way!
Tell Me: How do you practice being a good neighbor?
Good topic, Barbara! One thing we do is to pick up newspapers when we notice them piling up (indicating a neighbor is away), hiding them behind a flower pot on the front porch or other area where they are tucked away and cannot be seen. We also roll up curbside trash cans for neighbors when we know they are out of town.
Another suggestion – In the winter, if you have an elderly neighbor, offer to shovel snow and ice from the sidewalk or front steps. Better yet, just do it for them without asking! My husband is the first one out in the mornings after a snow or ice event, and he has done this a few times for neighbors.
I’m a gardener, and I like to surprise my neighbors with a vase of flowers from my garden in the spring. If you have a flower or vegetable garden, share your abundance with neighbors.
Barbara, you probably remember Friendship Bread, right? With the holidays coming, it’s a nice time to start a “Sharing Plate” (sometimes called a “Pass along Plate” or “Giving Plate”) in your neighborhood. Check eBay and online stores to find one that is specific for this purpose, otherwise use an inexpensive plate from a thrift shop or dollar store and fill it with home-baked goodies. Cover in plastic wrap and a decorative ribbon, and attach a card with a verse like this: “This plate shall have no owner, for it’s journey never ends, it travels in a circle of family and friends. It carries love from home to home for everyone to share. The food that’s placed upon it was made with love and care. So please enjoy what’s on the plate then fill it up again. Then pass it on with the love it holds to family and friends”.
These are WONDERFUL ideas and I am certain that others will enjoy them, too! I sure would like to have you as my neighbor, Tania! Thank you so much for sharing! I look forward to future visits and sharing ideas with you. It is very meaningful to me that you took the time to write and share such great suggestions!