This holiday season we celebrate what sustains us and our beloved communities.

What communities do you belong to? A family, a neighborhood, a workplace, a pandemic pod?  A community of practice, of thought, of craft, or of values? An online book club, a shared love of bread baking or knitting or roller skating? 

In an age of global connections, communities need not be bound by zip code, but by mutual interest, benefit, and support. And that last part is crucial. At their heart, communities are accountable to each other.

We sustain through mutual care

If you didn’t think much about accountability in your communities before the pandemic, you probably think about it now. More than ever, we look to the people, places and businesses that place community care at their hearts. 

We see it in the pop-up pantries and people who shop for vulnerable neighbors. We see it in mutual aid donations and businesses that provide everything from fresh bread to masks. We see it in the simple act of staying home when we can, so that those who can’t are safer.  

In short, communities sustain through acts of mutual care. That’s why sustainability is ultimately community-based, even when those communities exist across the Internet.  

Ways to celebrate and support community

This is set to be a holiday like no other, with so many plans on hold or canceled. We’ll already remember 2020 and all of the challenges that came with it. Could we also remember the moments of care, joy and humanity that sprung up in our communities?

The holidays are the perfect time to turn your attention to community celebration. So we’ve got a few ways you can celebrate community care this season.

• Stock a pop-up pantry or make your own.  Have you had little pantries pop up in your neighborhood? Fill them with nonperishables, like canned beans and tuna, pasta, and nondairy (unrefrigerated) milk.  

• Buy from artists and artisans. From a gorgeous ceramic coffee mug to a building-sized commissioned mural (check out ours at the top of the page), a handmade gift from a community artisan is a symbol of personalized love and community support. Across your communities, you’ll likely find makers of jam, jewelry, stationary, kitchenwares...everything really. 

• Support community-based businesses. Shop your local mom and pop shops and online popups. Small, community-based businesses put your dollars back into their communities.

• Send love letters and care packages. Remember the joy of receiving a package from someone you love? Bonus points if it’s unexpected. If you’re missing your friends and family, pretend they’re away at camp and send them a care package. Pack in those little lovelies you picked up from community artists and businesses. And the most important part? Add a note of love and appreciation. Tell them why you’re so glad they are part of your community. 

 What are the ways you celebrate all of your communities? Let us know!