Need Advice on Celebrating with Arabic Neighbors

Updated on May 20, 2011
M.. asks from Livonia, MI
9 answers

Hello Smart Mommas!!
We have the worlds BEST Neighbors!!! We just love them like family! They are from Iraq and have been gone for almost a year getting their sons married off, and now expecting their first grandchild!! We REALLY REALLY want to Celebrate that for them when they come home on Friday!! Can you help us know what is appropriate and a good idea to get or make to show them just how happy we are for them!!
THANK YOU SO much!EDIT: You are all so smart already, i totally did not think if they are strict Muslims or not so much. I wish i did know more there. Yes i know their 3 boys well. =). Two were just Married, in Iraq the 3rd is here unmarried in the house. next door neighbors, that is. The baby is not born yet, I think it is just the parents coming home to see the rest of their family here, and that 3rd son. I am pretty sure the other 2 boys and the new wives are in Iraq still. I just heard they are coming home 2 days ago! & good think too, because i plant flowers for them while they are away, and i managed to have them already In the ground before all this rain has come! so their lawn looks good, I cleaned that up too! =).
I would love to do the dinner idea, but have this feeling they would not like the food we make, because what they bring us is 100% Arabic of course. So what to do friends. Not sure about the Photo, scrapbook etc ideas, as the one momma suggested that might be bad taste/luck to them! Yikes, dont wanna do that! I was hoping for some sort of answer of go to this Arabic store and get this.... Hehe! too easy right!! But in case there is some sort of custom beverage, flower specific type. Something to show that we knew what was appropriate and would be important to them. =), this is so exciting! and TYTYTY 4 your help!! Always!. will keep you posted!

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So What Happened?

Sorry it took so long for the update! our amazing neighbors were delayed in coming home 12 days! so it took a while longer 4 them to get here! it was a huge celebration of friends and family for them when they did come home! We were that excited to see them too!
I can no t thank you enough ladies for the lovely suggestions! ALL of you offering your time to me, is apprecieated! I LOVED the suggested words to learn in arabic! which i did! so that was way cool! So i sent over baked goods, and got them an already made scrapbook to fill in with the baby photos. Its very nice to have them home, and to have seen the photos, from the Double wedding she threw her boys. imagine that! it was like royality! Precious! the world needs us all to be better neighbors, just like them!
Thanks Again Everyone!

Featured Answers

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A.A.

answers from Bloomington on

I can answer this one, but it depends a lot on how westernized they are. No baby gifts before the birth, its bad luck. They won't hold a baby shower. If you know the sons that got married, which you probably do since they appear to be long time neighbors then a wedding gift would definitely be in order for the happy couple if you've not done so already. Meanwhile visit them, send over a meal and invite them for a meal. I know a bit about Iraqis and would be happy to answer any other questions, just send me a message.

4 moms found this helpful

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P.S.

answers from Houston on

Unless you know alot of Iraqi culture and what's appropriate/what's not appropriate, I don't think there is anything wrong getting them a standard grandparent gift you can find in your area...grandparent memorabilia like frames, photo books, journals, scrapbooks...something so they can record the faces and images of them and their new family member.

gl!

2 moms found this helpful
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S.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

So, are your Arabic neighbors Muslim? I assume this is why you are asking what is appropriate?

My stepson and his wife are Muslim. The challenge here is that different families choose to follow Islam differently. If they are strict Muslims, don't give them photo frames or scrapbooks, as taking pictures of their grandchild and displaying them is against a strict interpretation of Islam.

I think I would go with the celebration dinner idea. It would be a great way to catch up with them after them being gone so long and to hear their stories about the weddings!

1 mom found this helpful
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C.J.

answers from Lansing on

What about stopping by and talking with their third son? He might have some ideas for dishes you could make for dinner. He may even have ideas for wedding and baby gifts that would be appreciated and culturally appropriate.

Good luck and I hope your neighbors have a safe trip home.

C. J.

1 mom found this helpful
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A..

answers from Kansas City on

How aboutjust inviting them over for a nice celebration dinner?

1 mom found this helpful
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C.B.

answers from Detroit on

Without knowing any customs in particular, remember that they're building a new life here and that includes adapting local customs too. BUT! It's a matter of learning about each other and those customs. You'll learn from them, and vice versa.
Showing friendship and bridging that gap is one of the best ways. Keep it simple. Take over some Grandma/Grandpa balloons, e.g. What would you do if it were anyone else? Let that thought guide you. Show your joy however you want. They'll appreciate the gesture and friendship. Maybe a frame to put all the photos in of the new baby/babies? And yeah scrapbooking is a great idea. It would get you and grandma together to update it. Remember they don't expect you to know all about their ways. If you chance on something familiar, they'll appreciate it. If not, they'll appreciate the thought anyway.

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

What about getting them a nice photo album???
I don't think, culturally, that will be an offense or a faux paux.

Or, maybe a nice balloon bouquet?
And a nice hand written card?

Do they all live together with the Grandparents??? Is the newborn HERE with them??? Or in Iraq???

In Asian culture for example, you do not take your newborn out, for the first 3 months. Traditionally. Nor have tons of people or parties at home while the Mom is taking care of her newborn.

I think, just congratulate them. Be careful of going "too" overboard.
Or if you want to splurge... a nice camera is good. Costco has good deals.

Or take them to dinner... to celebrate.

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K.K.

answers from Dallas on

I think your friendship is their biggest gift you can give them. I would go the dinner route, or have them over for some tea. I know opening up your home and sharing a meal is one of the most meaningful ways to show you care to pretty much anyone.

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K.M.

answers from Detroit on

find an arabic restraunt stor ad inquire. make sure food is halal to be on the safe side. Definitely no pork. They might be able to fill you in on customs, or call your nearest mosque.

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