How we turned wishes into real surprises with our December Wishes
- December 30, 2025
Inge
A look back at December Wishes, where residents nominated neighbors for a little extra kindness this December. We turned three wishes into real surprises, each one showing what makes our communities special.
We asked our residents to send in wishes for next-door neighbors who deserve a little extra kindness this December. Many shared heartfelt wishes. From all submissions, we fulfilled three before the holidays, turning them into real surprises that show what makes our communities special: neighbors looking out for each other and helping others feel at home.
The best way to become fully Dutch in one gift
Mahesh and Gunjan, living at The Terminal in Helmond, reached out with a wish for their neighbors, Sheena and Prince. They wished for a bike, something that may seem practical, but in the Netherlands is also a big part of daily life. We were happy to make this wish come true and surprise Sheena and Prince with their new bike. Their reaction was a reminder of how much these gestures matter!
Giving chef energy
Some neighbors do something kind once, but Efstratios has been doing it every single week for four years (!). He lives at The Ridge in Delft and has been cooking for his neighbors weekly, bringing people together through food and creating a tradition that his neighbors appreciate. This year, his neighbors wanted to do something for him in return. Ilias and Nikoletta surprised him with cooking knives, traditional Greek Christmas cookies, and a Holland2Stay apron. It was a small way of saying thank you, but it carried a lot of meaning, especially considering how much Efstratios has given over the years. His reaction says it all!
A tree that made Maastricht feel a little more like home
Moving across the world is life-changing, and it can be very challenging. Gabriela and Ben moved from the United States to Maastricht, which meant their Christmas away from home would look very different from what they were used to. Their neighbors, Ezgi and Marc, wanted to make that first holiday season a little more familiar and welcoming. They wished for a Christmas tree for Gabriela and Ben, hoping it would help them feel more at home and bring some warmth into their new space. We delivered the tree and helped create a small moment of comfort, right when it was needed most.
Kindness lives next door
With December Wishes, we saw again how much community shapes the way you experience a home. It is not only about the space itself, it is also about the people around you. When neighbors take a moment to notice each other, small gestures can make a real difference.
Thank you to everyone who sent in a wish. Even the ones we could not fulfil showed how much care and attention exist in our communities. And to the neighbors featured in these stories, thank you for sharing these moments with us!
