Compliment Your Neighbor’s Christmas Lights

A good way to get to know your neighbors and build relationships is to take note of the homes in your neighborhood that have been decorated for Christmas. Consider dropping by with a personal note – especially to those neighbors you haven’t met yet – to say how much you’re enjoying their decorations.

Perhaps something like this: “We’ve been enjoying the sight of your Christmas decorations. Thank you for taking the extra time and effort to put them up. They make a difference in our neighborhood, and it’s appreciated. Thanks for spreading extra joy this season. We are celebrating with you!”

This could be a good opportunity to invite them to church with you or to a special holiday event, like a Christmas Eve service. To go a step further, you could also include a little holiday treat or print out a card with your family’s picture so they’ll recognize who it’s from.

This is a great way to get your kids involved, too. Go for a walk or drive together in the evening when the lights are on to note which houses you want to seek out. And pray for those families as you prepare your cards or goodies.

Shelly Spencer is staff member at Butler (MB) Church in Fresno, CA. Together with her husband Rob and 3 girls, they are blessed to live in a great neighborhood and to be part of a multicultural church family that is outward focused.

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