The season is upon us, now—the season of shopping, of family and food, and of holiday community spirit. This can also be a wonderful time of the year for cultivating unity and enthusiasm within your community—and it is not too late! Though Christmas Day is rapidly approaching, there is still plenty of time for HOAs and community associations to plan events for boosting seasonal goodwill, and encouraging camaraderie among residents.
One of the best ways to bring residents together during the holidays is, of course, to plan a holiday party. Ideally, this is something planned for early on, and budgeted for. Even if your HOA has not allotted funds for a holiday party, though, there is no rule that says you cannot put on a low-key, impromptu event, perhaps in your HOA clubhouse or even in a resident’s home. Members of the board might prove willing to each make an appetizer or a dessert, and the members of your community can simply enjoy a time of mingling and getting to know one another. It does not have to be fancy, or expensive, for it to be a successful holiday party!
And by the way: Some communities refer to their get-togethers as “Christmas parties,” and that is perfectly fine. Using more inclusive language, like “holiday party,” might be better if you have a large population of residents who observe Hanukah, for example, but that does not mean your HOA needs to go overboard on “political correctness.” Simply make sure that everyone feels welcome!
If a party is not feasible for your HOA, maybe you can do something even more low-key, like a decorations contest. Members of the board can walk through the community, evaluate the decorations, and declare the winner, perhaps announcing it in the next community newsletter. Even something so seemingly minor can go a long way toward increasing community spirit.
