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The Housewarming

© Mary Cox-Bilz

Have you lived in the same house all of your live, or have you moved to a new home? Most people have moved at least one time. If you have moved, chances are that you have received a greeting card that said, "Wishing you blessings in your new home."

Transition is a common occurrence in most cultures. We relocate for various reasons. We build a home, after renting for years. Maybe a job promotion calls us to pack our bags and change our address. Perhaps we have lost our job and can no longer afford our domain. Your spouse is retiring, and now you can finally move where the climate is more comfortable for both of you. Your children are grown, live out of state, and want you to live closer to them. There are a thousand reasons why you and I move.

Moving out of your house and into a new home requires lots of planning. One of the activities that people who have moved do to celebrate their new change of address is have a house-warming party. You may decide to send out invitations, or call your guest list by phone.

Your guests are excited for you. Family and friends go to the shopping center to look for you special gifts that will share their love and happiness about your new place.

Everyone comes at the invited time. The gathering, with refreshments and presents, create an atmosphere of joy and thanksgiving.

When your guests leave your home after the house-warming, you sit back and look around at all of the gifts that make your house a home. The warm vanilla cream candle flickers with Aunt Molly’s caring spirit. The beautiful laced tablecloth on your oval dining room table reminds you of your sister’s hospitality. A lovely brass-framed mirror given to you by your best friend makes you smile, as you recall all of the times that both of you checked yourselves in a mirror before leaving the house to double-date.

Happiness in your new home can also mean buying new furniture and new appliances, which is sometimes a great experience, and other times an upsetting experience. If you have the money, it may be a positive shopping trip. But if you are deep in debt, you may feel angry at having to buy anything. Thus, celebrating your move through a housewarming may not be on your to-do list.

Some people ask their clergy or one in religious authority to come in and bless their new home. The individual may pray for the safety-keeping and tranquillity of your new house, and peace and harmony for a lifetime.