Whether you love snow or hate it, it can create some beautiful opportunities for community building. Parts of the country have been buried under the white stuff this winter. In Atlanta, we’ve been canceling school, but have yet to see even a light dusting. Still, the memories of last year’s Snowpocalypse are fresh in everyone’s mind.
When power disappeared in our Historic South Atlanta neighborhood last year, we quickly learned the community-building potential. We were thankful to discover our local businesses still had power, and quickly started communicating that the building would be open as long as there was power. While neighbors started planning crock pot meals for the masses and wondering if it’d be a legendary sleepover, the power returned.
Snowed in this winter? Here are some ideas to turn those snow days into community days!
Play Together!
Sure, sledding and snowman building are quick go-tos for neighborhood kids, but take this opportunity to have some fun with adults in the community as well. Pull out the puzzles or board games, or host an epic Lord of the Rings marathon viewing. Whatever your choice, enjoy the chance to have some unscheduled fun with your neighbors.
Kid Swap
Having kids home from school is great … until it isn’t anymore. Trade childcare with other parents to give everyone a little break, and even time to catch up on work from home, if possible. Don’t have kids? Offer to babysit for a neighbor and have a blast enjoying the snow with the enthusiasm of a child!
Potluck It Up
Hopefully, you stocked up with milk and bread before the storm hit. But if you’re getting bored with your cupboard, this is a perfect time to coordinate with a few other folks to all bring your winter staples to the table. Hey, if nothing else, surely someone has some eggs, and you can dine on french toast!
Look Out for One Another
Shovel a driveway. Help someone with frozen pipes. Put chains on someone’s tires. We can all use a little help from our community when weather’s bad. Don’t forget to check in on elderly neighbors who live alone.
Have you been snowed in this winter? How are you enjoying your community on these snow days?
