Whenever friends move somewhere new I get excited. Not because I didn’t like where they lived before. Not because I get a thrill out of helping people move.
No. Definitely no.
I’ve helped pack and move enough family and friends to know boxing up and transporting an entire house of things is not something anyone finds pleasure in.
At least I hope not.
A new home means a housewarming gift.
My go to housewarming gift is: Bread, salt, and wine*.
*Movie and/or Christmas fanatics, I hope you already know where this is going.
In the movie, It’s a Wonderful Life, George and Mary Bailey are welcoming the Martini family into their new home in Bailey Park. (All of which are important points for later in the movie, and if you haven’t seen it, I demand you watch it immediately!*). The home doesn’t look like much on the outside, but Mr. Martini proudly says to George, “I own this home!”.
*Sorry to be so pushy. It’s only because I love this movie!!
This scene gave me such a lasting impression of what it means to have a place which is yours. A place you own. A place you call home.
Mary and George then present Mr. Martini with these three gifts:
Three simple, but symbolic gifts.
After I’d given this gift a half dozen times, I considered making up a tag I could print off at last minute notice.* Then I decided I preferred the handmade touch of writing the tags out myself**. This is also why I now bake the bread I give, as well.***
*If you aren’t as worried about the handmade touch like me, a quick search on Pinterest will reveal templates other people have made.
**However, if your handwriting is a doctor-like scrawl, I wouldn’t recommend this.
***I’m a little horrified with myself that I used to give bagged Shop Rite bread when I had the ability to make my own artisan bread at home.
Bread so that this house may never know hunger.
Salt so that life may always have flavor.
Wine that joy and prosperity may reign forever.
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