10 Simple Ways to Bless Your Neighbors

One of the things I love most about the holidays is getting to do something nice for my neighbors. Oh sure, I could do it year ’round, but I am sorry to say that I really don’t think enough about it. Then the weather cools down, the Christmas lights go up on the house and I am reminded to stop by and say hello to my precious neighbors. But we don’t want to just breeze through their lives. The Christmas season is a great opportunity to go deeper and show the love of Christ to those around us. In our family, we look for simple ways to be a blessing to those around us, even if it’s just in the small things.

10 Simple Ways to Bless Your Neighbors

1. A personal visit

Instead of calling, knock on the door and say hello. It can feel awkward, but people love it. Just say that you wanted to wish them a Merry Christmas in person.

2. Baking

My kids will try a new recipe and we take some of it over to a neighbor, “Here! We thought you might want to try what Johnny just made!” This is a good one for the older widow and widowers. They enjoy encouraging the kids!

3. Yard work

Most of my neighbors don’t need work done in their yard – in fact they would probably like to come over and do something about ours! But if we stop by their house and notice leaves on the sidewalk or dirt that needs to be swept we can go back over later and take care of it.

4. Notes

We make cards and notes for our neighbors each holiday season and either leave them in the mailbox or on the door. Who doesn’t feel loved by a hand written note? You can add a favorite scripture or “we’re praying for you” message into your note without seeming too pushy.

5. Love their pets

Some of our neighbors are very attached to their pets, so we will take a cat toy or dog bone over to let them know we care about their pets too!

6. Share a recipe

If your neighbor is having family visit for the holidays, take them a few of your favorite recipes written on pretty note cards (even better if you have a sample for them to try). Recipe cards are another great place to add a Bible verse.

7. Watch their house

If they are headed out of town, offer to keep an eye on things while they are gone. Be sure you have their contact information and make sure that they have yours.

8. Take them a book

If your neighbor has children or grandchildren that like to visit, take over a good book to add to their library. The book, Every Day a Blessing is a great devotional for sharing!

9. Let them know that you are praying for them

Our neighbors know we pray for them because we tell them! When I stop by for the holidays I listen for ways to pray for them specifically. I will tell them, “That’s good to know! I will pray for that.”

10. Check back later

If they shared with you some struggle or problem they are having, it’s really nice if you stop by a week or so later to check on how they are doing. Remembering details is a great way to show someone you care. It’s such a great time of year to let your neighbors know that you care about them. When we take the time to make sure everyone’s Christmas is a little more merry, we often end up more blessed than the people we’re trying to bless.

Your Turn

How do you encourage your kids to show love to your neighbors?