| sewarming gift comes from cultural traditions the world | | | | While there is no definitive way of knowing exactly |
| over. But for the most part, a housewarming gift | | | | how housewarming gifts truly originated, some |
| comes from the heart, an act of giving from one friend | | | | historians believe a scenario like the one above may |
| to another. The true meaning of housewarming can be | | | | have merit. Some will look back further to the birth of |
| found when one friend sees the need of another, and | | | | the Christ child and the gifts of the Magi. |
| tries in however small of measure to give something | | | | However it originated, the idea of giving a |
| to help. | | | | housewarming gift in honor of new neighbors or |
| May the roof above us never fall in | | | | friends has long been celebrated. It has proven useful |
| And may we good companions beneath it never fall | | | | in either breaking the ice with those we have not |
| out. | | | | known or celebrating a new chapter in the lives of |
| -- Irish Blessing | | | | those we have long cared for. |
| From round bread loaves and salt to a classic kitchen | | | | Meaningful friendships have begun by observing this |
| gift, the tradition of housewarming gift giving has a long | | | | housewarming tradition. |
| and venerable history. That history of a housewarming | | | | Housewarming Etiquette |
| gift continues today as an effective means of bringing | | | | Housewarming gifts should be practical. A kitchen gift |
| new neighbors together. | | | | or cooking gift is always appreciated as neighbors or |
| The Tradition | | | | friends begin life in a new home. Housewarming gifts |
| Boris removed his cap and wrung it nervously. A | | | | do not need to be overly expensive to be gratefully |
| member of Russia’s ruling party was arriving in | | | | received. A very expensive housewarming gift given |
| full regalia. The entourage moved through the village as | | | | publicly can actually cause uncomfortable moments for |
| merchants offered respect. Boris nervously ran to his | | | | the recipient as well as any other guests who may be |
| cottage and asked his wife, Yelena, for the gift they | | | | in the home. |
| had prepared for this moment. | | | | So Many Choices |
| As the dignitary approached the outskirts of the village, | | | | While items for the outdoors may prove useful in |
| Boris walked forward holding a round loaf of bread | | | | some cases, a kitchen gift or cooking gift proves |
| with a mound of salt in the center. | | | | especially welcome in most scenarios. Even single men |
| “What’s this?” asked the | | | | often find the kitchen of unique interest when seeking |
| dignitary. | | | | to entertain guests, so a housewarming gift for the |
| “Bread - for good health. Salt - for long | | | | kitchen may be appropriate more often than you might |
| life,” Boris said nervously. | | | | think. |
| “For me?” queried the dignitary. | | | | A Good Neighbor |
| “With glad welcome,” replied Boris as | | | | In a society that is increasingly mobile, a housewarming |
| Yelena anxiously brushed back a strand of hair | | | | gift may be the perfect opportunity to lend support for |
| wondering if the gift would be well received. | | | | someone who may be distanced from family. Your |
| All was quiet while the dignitary lifted the bread and | | | | simple act of kindness in this housewarming tradition |
| inhaled the fresh baked scent. “Such a | | | | may well result in long term friendship and mutual |
| wonderful welcome,” he said with a large grin. | | | | support. In a society where we often don’t |
| The village folk broke out into cheers as a new | | | | know our neighbor’s names, a housewarming |
| tradition was born. | | | | gift provides a welcome means of connecting |
| … | | | | neighbors. |