moving- tip my current doormen for xmas bonus now?

see similar post from yesterday: http://streeteasy.com/nyc/talk/discussion/22809-end-of-year-tips-for-early-move-out which may help. As for your last question: yes; I would say something like "I prefer to give tips at Christmas, but I really appreciate you helping me before I have even moved in--thank you." This way you set expectations so he doesn't think you will tip all year long for everything little thing, but at the same time get off on the right foot. First impressions go a very long way and are hard to change--you don't want to be pegged as a cheapskate right off the bat. FWIW, I would give the super some money on or just before move in day, too. It gets you a lot of good will in the months and years to come. Having the super like you can make your life a lot easier.