By: Karen G. Hatcher, CPM®
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to spread some cheer and build connections with those around us. As someone passionate about cultivating community, I believe the holidays offer a unique chance to turn neighbors into friends.
If you just moved into a new neighborhood. You may feel like a stranger in a new place and a bit nervous about meeting your neighbors. Or maybe, some new neighbors just moved in and you have yet to meet them. But as the holidays approach, how can you create simple acts of kindness to create a welcoming and connected community?
Here are some of my favorite ways to use the holiday season to foster a sense of togetherness with the people in your neighborhood.
- Host a Holiday Gathering
There’s no better way to break the ice than with a warm invitation. Consider hosting a holiday potluck, cookie exchange, or hot cocoa and for me (wine or bourbon ; ) party. Keep things simple and low-key – the goal is connection, not competition. You might be surprised at how a little festive cheer can help build bridges.
- Organize a Neighborhood Toy Drive or Charity Event
The holidays are a time for giving, and rallying your neighbors around a good cause is a wonderful way to instill a sense of community. You could organize a toy drive, coat collection, or even a volunteer day. Giving back together is a powerful way to bond.
- Embrace the Power of Twinkling Lights
There’s something magical about twinkling lights and festive decorations. Consider hosting a decorating party or contest. You could even deliver some hot cocoa or treats to neighbors as they deck the halls. It’s a small way to spread cheer and encourage others to do the same.
I particularly love it when the friendly competition starts between differing streets and neighborhoods. Each home’s efforts to light up the streets for the holidays create the perfect draw, inviting loads of families through your neighborhood at night to take in the twinkling wonder and holiday cheer.
- Plan a Fun Neighborhood Outing
The holidays offer plenty of opportunities for fun outings – think ice skating, sleigh rides, or visits to see Santa. One of my best memories was an ice skating outing with my mommy tribe, “Mommy Night Out”, and I never had so much fun falling all over the ice!
Not sure if it was my first-timer skills or one too many tequila shots, but I love those mamas dearly and we had a blast! To incorporate the kids, there was a group of us that went with our kids to cookies with Santa at the Zoo and then to see the Urban Nutcracker another year. Organizing a neighborhood/tribe outing is a great way to build connections in a casual setting. You could even make it an annual tradition.
- Show You Care with a Small Gift
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a small gesture. Consider baking some holiday treats or putting together a little care package. A kind note or small gift can go a long way in showing your neighbors you value them. Destiny loves to bake especially around the holidays, all different kinds of delicious treats and way more than our household needs. So, she wraps them up and delivers them to our neighbors and her school community.
The holiday season is a time of joy, love, and connection. By extending a little warmth and cheer to those around you, you can help build a stronger, more supportive community. So why not get creative and see how you can spread some holiday love to your neighbors? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!
Share a time when a neighbor showed you holiday kindness. What’s your favorite way to build community during the holidays? How do you plan to spread some cheer to your neighbors this year?
Dedicated to helping you #LiveSovereign,
Karen Hatcher, CPM®