In the holiday spirit of gratitude and togetherness, the City of Colorado Springs is inviting residents to join the goal of 100 Holiday Gatherings in Colorado Springs.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 66% of people experience loneliness during the holidays. That is why the City is asking residents to join in this holiday season to bring people together and reduce loneliness this holiday season. The 100 Holiday Gatherings campaign is an extension of the 1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings initiative, where Colorado Springs residents made huge strides in creating community, combatting loneliness, and advancing the flourishing of the City during the summer.
“The holidays are a great time to celebrate the season and to connect with neighbors,” said Joe Hollmann, marketing and engagement manager for the City. “For many, the holidays amplify loneliness, sadness, and stress, and we invite Colorado Springs residents to plan and register their holiday gathering so we can continue to build a movement of neighboring in Colorado Springs. By connecting with neighbors through a holiday gathering, you are building a social support system in your neighborhood. Whether it’s a cookie exchange in the kitchen or hot cocoa on the driveway, there are a variety of ways to host a gathering.”
The City recommends three steps to host a holiday gathering:
Step 1: Pick the date
Choose a date and time for your event! Weekends are great for bigger gatherings, while weekday 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. This can include a cookie swap party, hot cocoa gathering, community caroling, DIY ornament workshop, winter clothing drive or many other ideas.
Step 3: Invite Your Neighbors and register your gathering!
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! To learn more and register a gathering, visit ColoradoSprings.gov/100HolidayGatherings.
The 100 Holiday Gatherings initiative runs through the end of 2024.