Moving into a new home is a significant event, often marking both the culmination of one dream and the beginning of another.

Knowing that the move may be a poignant moment for someone special, why not celebrate it with a thought, gift or ritual (or all three) that will add distinction to the event?

The standard housewarming gift is a bottle of wine so that the new homeowner (or renter) can celebrate this new phase in her life.  Second in popularity is an information package about the neighborhood, placed in a decorative box or accordion folder.

However, if those aren’t your style, then step outside the proverbial box and tailor the gift and sentiment to the particular person.

Recently, a friend of ours moved into his first home after a long-ago divorce and years of apartment living. He was excited, so we wanted to acknowledge that passage for him.

When I arrived and saw two bow-wrapped bottles of wine on his counter, I knew I’d made the right decision.

He eyed the odd assortment of things in my hands, skepticism and a smattering of low expectation written all over his face.

By the time we left, his face radiated joy, and that’s what prompted me to write to share the idea.

Here’s what we gave him: salt, a broom and a loaf of bread.

• Giving salt stems from a Jewish tradition called hachnasset orchim, meaning “welcoming the stranger.”

 

• Brooms symbolically sweep out the old to make way for the new. They also can sweep away troubles. (The Amish, Jews and Irish all take credit for this custom, so take your pick!)

 

• Bread’s symbolism is generally more obvious: may you never go hungry in your new home.

I explained the purpose of each gift as I handed it to him, and I had written the meanings in the greeting card that accompanied it. This way, he could savor the sentiments again later.

Below find the go-to list I’ve developed through the years. Beneath that is a prayer and a saying (in case a prayer does not fit your comfort level) that you also can write in the card.

Bath Oils                  May the physical after-effects of moving be short-lived.

Book of Poetry        May you find beauty in your new home and rhythm in new routines.

Bread                       May you never go hungry in your new home.

Broom                      May you sweep troubles out and hope in. (Or, sweep out the old to make way for the new. Or, may your home always be clean.)

Candles                    May darkness be a stranger to your new home. (A flashlight is an alternative as well.)

Key holder               May your home be blessed with organization and harmony.

Knives                      May your home be safe from evil and intrusion. (Steak knives are good; it’s the symbolism/thought that matters.)

Local Honey            May life’s sweetness permeate your home.

Local Maps              May you always find your way home safely.

Olive Oil                  May you be blessed with health and well-being.

Salt                           May you find flavor and spice in your new life.

 

Sentiment

 

May your troubles be less

And your blessings be more

And nothing but happiness

Come through your door.

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the house which You have graciously given (name).  We thank You for meeting this essential need in his life and providing this place of spiritual safety for him and his loved ones.  May Your gracious presence abide in this home and Your angels guard over it. Please protect this home against the wicked ways of evil. Be in (name’s) midst so that harmony always dwells within. May (name) reach up to YOU, reach in to support his family and loved ones, and reach out to help his neighbors. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

“Now You have been pleased to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue before You forever; for You have blessed it, O LORD, and it shall be blessed forever.”

I Chronicles 17:27