Something Homemade

• Sure, the stores are packed with all matter of expensive things, but the best gifts often come from the heart. In addition to saying "Merry Christmas," a homemade gift will make your neighbors feel extra special, so think about giving them a personal item. Gardeners might consider tying a bow around a jar of pickled vegetables from their gardens while knitters could make scarves or pairs of mittens; even a bag of freshly baked cookies is sure to be appreciated when it comes from the heart.
  
  

An Invitation

• Spending time with a friend is a wonderful gift unto itself, so consider extending your neighbors an invite for a get-together. To make the event extra special, invite them via a Christmas card and nail down a date and time to prevent "sometime soon" from turning into "never." An invitation could be for something as elaborate as a freshly cooked meal or a simple treat of cake and coffee. As an extra fun idea, invite them for cocktail hour and serve special Christmas-themed drinks.
  
  

A Helping Hand

• Most people always have something they need done around the house, and older neighbors as well as those with physical limitations will appreciate the gift of assistance. Pick up a shovel and clear your neighbor's driveway of snow before sprinkling some salt on the ground to keep him from slipping. Hang up a bird feeder in the backyard to encourage winter visitors or clean clogged gutters of snow and debris. Teens can offer their time as babysitters or dogwalkers to get in on the Christmas spirit.
  
  

Something Personal

• To many, the house is a castle, so help your neighbors adorn their palaces with personalized items. Mailboxes, doorknockers and doormats can be ordered with customized messages, like a last name or a phrase like "The Smith Family," and can add a personal touch to a home. Some people might appreciate personalized stationery with the family name and address on it or a customized welcome sign to hang in the mudroom.