5 Ways to Be a Great Neighbor This Winter
Being helpful and considerate in small ways, you can help transform the place you live into a true neighborhood! Who doesn’t want that?
1. Take care of snowy sidewalks
There’s nothing fun about shoveling snow—which means it’s a great opportunity to help out your neighbors. Clearing your neighbors sidewalks is a simple way to show you care. Many cities and HOAs have ordinances mandating snow removal within a certain timeframe, so if you have a neighbor who struggles to clear the walks themselves you could be especially helpful.
2. Offer to help with yard winterization
As you are preparing your own yard for the winter months, see if there is anything you can do to help your neighbors. It could be as simple as spending an hour or two helping to blow or bag leaves or offering the use of tools or other equipment. If it’s a larger project, consider enlisting the help of other people nearby. Many hands make light work!
3. Give advance notice of holiday gatherings
Winter comes with its share of holiday gatherings. If you are anticipating hosting a large holiday dinner or out-of-town guests on an extended visit, give your neighbors a heads up so they don’t have to scramble to find parking at their own home. No one wants Thanksgiving ruined over something like a parking dispute.
4. Be mindful of your holiday decor
In general, it’s good to be aware of the kind of impact your lifestyle has on those around you, and winter holiday decorating is no exception. Extravagant displays with flashing lights and accompanying music are certainly fun and festive, but they can be a headache for the people next door. If you want to go full Griswold with your light and sound display this year, more power to you! Just make sure your neighbors are on board, too.
5. Leave little holiday gifts
If your family celebrates any special winter holidays, share that celebration with your neighbors. Drop off little gifts that show you value and appreciate them. Keep it simple so people don’t feel like they have to reciprocate or add you to their holiday shopping lists—a little homemade banana bread or a thoughtful card is plenty. Here it’s truly the thought that counts.
