Need Advice on Celebrating with Arabic Neighbors

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.

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!

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!

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.

How aboutjust inviting them over for a nice celebration dinner?

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.

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.

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.

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.