Spreading Holiday Cheer: How to Build Community with Your Neighbors

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. I’m passionate about cultivating community – not just within our work culture, but in the neighborhoods we serve. The holidays offer a unique chance to turn neighbors into friends and foster a sense of togetherness.

If you’ve recently moved into a new neighborhood, you may feel like a stranger in a new place, nervous about meeting your neighbors. Or perhaps new neighbors have just moved in and you haven’t had a chance to meet them yet. 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 wine or bourbon for the adults!) 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 Night Out” tribe – I never had so much fun falling all over the ice!

To incorporate the kids, we went with our children to cookies with Santa at the Zoo and then to see the Urban Nutcracker another year. Organizing a neighborhood 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.

My daughter Destiny loves to bake, especially around the holidays. She wraps up her delicious treats 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®
CEO & Founder, Sovereign Realty & Management