Throughout the pandemic-related shutdown, neighborhoods have been uniting from a safe distance to spread a message of love and hope. Homes around the country have been decorated with hearts and rainbows in an effort to spread cheer, even as we maintain at least 6 feet of space between us.
Spreading Love & Positivity From a Distance
Hearts have been popping up in windows and doors all around the world, with many US communities joining in on the fun.
Walking around any US neighborhood these days, you’re going to spy hearts, rainbows and other cheerful decorations along with messages of hope. Some hearts are in windows or on doors while others have been created out of sidewalk chalk. From painted hearts to paper rainbows, the whole world has joined together in this pandemic-safe way to show each other a little love.
Show Essential Workers a Little Love
One main message that participants hope to share is support for our essential workers, the people who are keeping our country running right now. From healthcare workers to bus drivers, we’re united to show love to those who are caring for us all.
On military bases, many of our troops are still reporting for duty. Medical personnel and others are still working daily to keep things going. Seeing hearts and other images of support in windows is just one way that we can show them appreciation.
UnityPoint Health, a division of Blue Cross Blue Shield located in the northern midwest, shared a free printable template with their community. Everyone can download, print and decorate hearts to hang in their windows!
You could also consider adding a message of hope. Write with washable paints or special window markers. Just remember to reverse your letter so they can be read from the other side of the window!
Window Hearts Scavenger Hunt for Kids
In addition to spreading support for essential workers, the window hearts have provided a second opportunity to connect from a distance. With playgrounds closed and little chance for social interaction, parents have started taking long walks with their children. It’s a great way to break up the day while also getting fresh air and exercise.
On the way, may families have started to hunt for hearts!
By turning their daily walks around the neighborhood into scavenger hunts, kids and parents are creating an extra twist of fun. Some families look for new hearts daily while others record the locations of hearts. Families can work on counting all the hearts they see and trying to beat their daily totals day-to-day.
Kids for Global Peace shared a fun how-to printable to get started with your own window heart!
More Fun Ways to Share Love & Support
The fun and caring can keep going beyond hearts. Families and neighborhoods are banding together to organize coordinated window messages.
During March, many communities celebrated spring with shamrock and rainbow hunts. April saw neighbors hunting for colorful eggs in windows. Other neighbors are organizing zoo or safari themed hunts by placing stuff animals in windows or posed in yards and on porches.
Some cities have banded together to do a nightly round of applause for healthcare workers and others performing essentials jobs right now.
Coordinate Socially Distant Love & Support Online
Military communities are used to connecting online, especially via social media. Facebook and NextDoor are two useful tools to help you create and coordinate messages of love in your community.
Use your neighborhood group on Facebook or NextDoor to connect with neighbors. Explain what you would like to do and provide a “start date.” Share the effort with local organizations, like the base chaplains, CDCs and community groups.
Then place your decorations in the window and take a walk! See how many other houses you can find that have joined the movement.
