10 Ways to Love Your Neighbour in a Pandemic

With the pandemic restrictions still in effect, it can be hard to build a strong relationship with your neighbour. However, there are still COVID-safe ways to love your neighbour and get to know them better.

1. Wash Your Hands and Wear a Mask

Let’s start with a fairly easy one. Simply having good hygiene and wearing a mask can be an effective way of loving your neighbour while in a pandemic. You can also support small creators who make all kinds of masks from their home!

2. Host an Outdoor Barbecue

While spring is still a few months away, an outdoor barbecue might just be exactly what you need to ring in the new season and bring some life back to your evenings. With the right backyard space, a nice dinner outside can be both fun and safe! Bring out the burgers, steaks, salads, and drinks to enjoy some community right in your backyard. Pick up some food from a local market or shop to support the small businesses during the pandemic. Keeping those lawn chairs six feet apart will be key, but after some conversation, you won’t even feel the distance!

3. Bake a Pie/Dessert

Dessert is always a great icebreaker. Who says no to a dessert?. We can even help you out! You can find a link to an amazing cinnamon roll recipe right on our website (that’s the first step done for you!). Bake it yourself and support small, local businesses – whatever you decide, buy double so you also can enjoy the delicious treat!

4. Shovel their Driveway/Mow their Front Lawn

This is where you can get the kids involved in loving your neighbour! Shovelling a snow-covered driveway or mowing a front lawn can be a simple, yet effective way to love your neighbour without breaking COVID-19 regulations. It’s also a great way to get some fresh air and exercise when you’re stuck inside for most of the day.

5. Host a Zoom/Google Meet Party

Zoom has become the go-to way of communication and socializing this year. Hosting a virtual games night, dinner party, or coffee date could be exactly what you need to get to know your neighbours. While some Zoom links may require a premium account, Google Meets is a great, easy to use alternative. Just send the guests a link and log on when you’re ready!

6. Send them Flowers

Flowers can brighten up even the darkest rooms and can be an easy way to show your neighbour that you care. Deliver the flowers yourself, or have them dropped off; it’s up to you! Check out some great, local greenhouses or florists in your area.

7. Offer to Pick up Groceries

Sometimes simple errands can be the most irritating item on your to-do list. Offering to pick up a few groceries for your neighbour could be exactly what they need to get through the day. Especially if your neighbour has kids, vulnerable relatives, or a hectic schedule, adding their list to yours can make their day and keep them safe.

8. Write Them Cards/Letters

This is another great activity to get the kids to help out with. If you don’t know your neighbours too well, use the letter to introduce yourself and share a bit about the family. If you are close with your neighbours, use it to catch them up on your life and tell them you miss seeing them. Offer help if needed and leave it in the mailbox. For the kids, print off colouring pages or have them draw a picture to attach with the letter. These little details can easily bring a smile to your neighbours’ faces.

9. Cook them Dinner

Sometimes a home-cooked meal is just what you need on a cold, busy night. Having a meal ready to go can take a big chore off your neighbour’s to-do list and can take away the stress of cooking. Take the opportunity to try out a new recipe, like this Shepherd’s Pie or this Macaroni and Cheese .

10. Pray for them

Throughout the chaos and uncertainty of the pandemic, prayer is one of the most “essential services” to keep up with and can be the easiest way to love your neighbour. Simply praying for your neighbour can be a way to love and care for them. Spread the Christian love without spreading any germs.

If you try out any of these, snap a picture and tag us on Instagram @yourniagarahome with the hashtag #YNHLoveYourNeighbour

Written by: Helana Mulder