How to Spread Holiday Cheer to Your Neighbors

This post has been sponsored by American Greetings. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

‘Tis the season! As you deck the halls and gather together gifts for relatives and friends, it’s easy to overlook sending joy to your world around you. That’s why today, in partnership with American Greetings, I’m sharing how to spread holiday cheer to your neighbors!

I’m sure I can speak for my generation, that being friendly with your neighbors is rare in comparison to the relationships our parents and grandparents had with their neighbors. In today’s ‘glued to our phone age’, it seems that getting to know our neighbors has fallen short on many of our to-do lists.

I’m not saying I’m perfect. I can assure you that I’m not the best at keeping up with my neighbors either. However, the one time I most definitely try to spread joy to others is during the holiday season. Which is why I take it upon myself to bring my immediate neighbors a ‘holiday cheer’ box paired with a hand-written greeting card to spread a little joy for the season.

Step 1: Pick up a holiday-appropriate greeting card at your local Target store

Another not so common occurrence these days are hand-written notes and letters. I guess you could call me old-school, but I love hand-writing notes and picking out greeting cards. So much so, that in my home-office I keep a folio filled with greeting cards, stocked and ready for specific occasions. If you’re struggling to find the right words, American Greetings has you covered with inspiration for everyone on your list.

My go-to cards are by American Greetings. Not only are they high-quality, but the brand has such a great variety of cards available, too! I tend to pick out all my seasonal greeting cards at one time, the beginning of the holiday season, so as to avoid the rush.

Target has a great variety of American Greetings cards available in-stores to save on American Greetings cards this holiday season! I love the way the card aisle is organized and the holiday cards are super easy to navigate. Of course there’s a huge variety and something for everyone! [one_half][/one_half][one_half_last][/one_half_last]

Step 2: Package up your ‘holiday cheer’ box 

My neighbors are both older, with one set being empty-nesters and the other who lives by herself. My husband and I try to always wave or stop and chat whenever we come across them, but sometimes it’s difficult to get in more than just a wave or a quick hello. That’s why during the holidays, I like to bring over something to wish my neighbors a joyous holiday season and let them know we’re thinking of them.

This year, I’m putting together some baked goods and a hot cocoa kit. Wrapped in a bow along with a hand-written note, I’ll deliver the boxes to my neighbors a week before Christmas.

Step 3: Spread joy to the world around you

In years past, I’ve missed out on my neighbors being home, and have just left their holiday package on their doorstep. But each year, I always receive a thank you in-person or via a hand-written note. For me, it’s not about receiving a thank you, but instead hearing how a small gesture made their holiday season.

In the spirit of giving, I simply enjoy seeing the joy on a relative, a friend or even a neighbors face when they receive a holiday gift and hand-written holiday wish from the Haines family. Here’s to hoping I’ve encouraged you to spread some joy to your world this Christmas season!