The holidays are a great time to gather with neighbors to celebrate the season! In the holiday spirit of gratitude and togetherness, we hope you'll join the goal of 100 Holiday Gatherings in Colorado Springs.
Colorado Springs made huge strides in creating community, combatting loneliness, and advancing the flourishing of our city this summer through the 1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings initiative. We're asking you to join us again as we work to bring people together and reduce loneliness this holiday season. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 66% of people experience loneliness during the holidays. Bringing neighbors together this time of year is especially important.
We invite you to plan and register your holiday gathering so we can continue to build a movement of neighboring in Colorado Springs that makes our city mentally healthier, more connected, and more vibrant.
Why host a holiday gathering?
By hosting a holiday gathering, you are taking action to improve mental health in Colorado Springs. A Nextdoor study showed people who know six or more of their neighbors have decreased levels of social isolation and loneliness compared to people who don’t. By connecting with neighbors through a holiday gathering, you are building a social support system in your neighborhood.
How to host a holiday gathering
It's as easy as 1,2,3!
Step 1: Pick the Date
The 100 Holiday Gatherings initiative runs through the end of 2024.
Choose a date and time for your event! Weekends are great for bigger gatherings, while weekdays and weekend lunches or dinners work well for smaller get-togethers. Keep it simple and pick what best suits your plans.
Step 2 : Choose and Plan a Gathering
Whether it’s a cookie exchange in the kitchen or gathering a group to go caroling, there are a variety of ways to host a gathering. Here are some ideas to spark creativity in planning your gathering:
Cookie Swap Party: Encourage neighbors to bake and exchange cookies, fostering conversation and shared recipes.
Holiday Potluck: Host a community meal where everyone brings a dish that reflects their culture or tradition.
Hot Cocoa Gathering: Join your neighbors for an evening of hot cocoa, enjoying some warm beverages on a chilly night.
Community Caroling: Organize a group to sing carols in the neighborhood or at senior centers.
DIY Ornament Workshop: Bring people together to make holiday ornaments, fostering creativity and interaction.
Gift Wrapping Party: Neighbors can wrap gifts together while enjoying snacks and conversation.
Card-Making Session: Design and write cards for friends, family, or local seniors and those in hospitals.
Food Drive Assembly Party: Pack meals or food boxes for those in need.
Winter Clothing Drive: Collect and sort coats, hats, and scarves for donation.
Holiday Bingo Night: Create themed bingo cards for a fun evening.
Cultural Holiday Showcase: Invite neighbors to share how they celebrate the season, with food, music, and traditions.
Kids' Holiday Storytime: Parents can read festive stories while children enjoy crafts or snacks.
Step 3: Invite Your Neighbors!
Invite your neighbors by knocking on their door or mentioning it the next time you see them.
Post on neighborhood social media sites like Nextdoor, your neighborhood Facebook Group, or ZonZon!