No man but feels more of a man in the world if he have but a bit of ground that he can call his own. However small it is on the surface, it is four thousand miles deep; and that is a very handsome property. --Charles Dudley Warner

Housewarming traditions date back centuries. It's possible to believe that people were more neighborly back then. However, good neighbors still exist and they exist, in most cases, because they believe that knowing and welcoming new neighbors is not an outdated idea.

Often neighbors remain behind closed doors and fail to notice or welcome others to the neighborhood. It usually takes just one neighbor to help others see that being neighborly has multiple benefits.

Whenever we move we can feel anxious about a new neighborhood, new city and a new way of life. When others reach out to us it helps us acclimate to these new conditions much more rapidly. They often become trusted friends.

There are many housewarming gift ideas and none of them have to break the bank. A simple kitchen gift is always welcome because it helps fix in the mind of your new neighbor that there is investment in making their new location a home. A cooking gift may well be used on a regular basis and the recipient of the gift may conclude that they are indeed amongst good neighbors.

There are upscale neighborhoods where a more extravagant housewarming gift may be appropriate; however, most gifts should be both functional and beautiful while remaining within your budget.

The hallmark of a housewarming gift is their practicality. While other celebrations may call for an unusually high degree of creativity, housewarming traditions have always erred on the side of common sense.

Housewarming traditions have changed over the years. Where eggs and cherry pie might have been the primary gift in times past, small practical kitchen gifts coupled with a home produced gift will be an appealing combination to new neighbors in the 21st century. This may be why some good neighbors may choose to implement a two pronged approach to housewarming traditions. For instance they might provide a glass oil lamp that provides elegance and an inspired aroma, but they may also provide a secondary gift of home grown produce or home baked goods. It might also be a combination of gourmet oil and vinegar cruet coupled with a potted plant or flower bulbs.

The addition of a kitchen gift is almost assured to leave a favorable impression with new neighbors. Cooking gifts are well received housewarming gifts as well. Because we spend so much time in the kitchen, receiving a gift that either enhances cooking techniques or makes cooking easier remains a memorable token. Your gesture should indicate that you believe your new neighbor is a great addition to the neighborhood and that your hand of friendship remains extended.

Your housewarming gift should communicate a genuine joy in meeting someone new. New neighbors should understand your wish for a quick adjustment and that it is your intent to remain a good neighbor while contributing to the warmth and charm of the newest 'home' on the block.

You may have many neighbors over a lifetime or you may have very few. Please remember, sometimes the greatest neighbors are discovered when housewarming traditions are observed and implemented. A new best friend might be waiting - just next door.