It's a harsh reality, but according to YouGov, 45% of Americans think HOAs have a very or somewhat negative effect on their communities. Most of the dissatisfaction is in regard to overregulation, and it's easy to understand why. You bought your own house, so why should you follow someone else's rules?
The upside is there are people who think HOAs have a positive effect, so not all hope's lost. If you'd like to prove yourself to your HOA members, then there's no better time than the holidays.
Read on for some HOA holiday decorating tips that'll ensure everyone has a great time.
Set Clear Guidelines
The most important thing is to establish clear yet inclusive rules for holiday decorating. That way, everyone will know what's acceptable.
Set limits on the size of decorations people set out. Also, restrict where they're placed, so walkways and parking spaces aren't blocked.
In your festive neighborhood guidelines, outline when decorations can go up and when they should be taken down too. While we'd love to be in the holiday spirit all year long, there's an overall community appearance to maintain.
Put safety first too. Ensure that decorations near homes are flame-resistant and won't overload circuits. All outdoor electrical displays should be safe and weatherproof as well.
If HOA members have any concerns about the guidelines, have an open ear. Take their feedback into account and make adjustments accordingly.
Encourage Inclusivity
People think that the holidays are synonymous with Christmas, but there are many more diverse holidays to celebrate. To be on the safe side, go with non-denominational themes for community holiday decor that celebrate the season, such as:
- Winter themes
- Lights
- General festive displays
It's also a good idea to create common areas that showcase different cultures and holidays. It's the HOA board's responsibility to make everyone comfortable and welcome, so lead with inclusive HOA decoration ideas that don't focus solely on Christmas.
Use your HOA resources to coordinate with local traditions. Consider working with the city so you can tie your community decorations into city events. You can even host a neighborhood event, like a tree-lighting or holiday parade.
Hold a Community Decorating Contest
A friendly contest will certainly encourage participation and creativity. Just make sure you clearly communicate the rules and judging criteria so residents don't feel like there's bias.
Give out several awards so they have plenty of chances to win. Some award ideas include:
- Most Creative
- Best Use of Lights
- Best Winter Wonderland
Have Fun With HOA Holiday Decorating
HOA holiday decorating is the perfect opportunity to show your members that HOA boards can have a wonderful impact on the community. With a thoughtful approach, you can build community spirit while maintaining harmony.
The key is to have clear rules, a focus on inclusivity, and some friendly competition. When residents see that the HOA board isn't so stuffy, they'll warm up to you and will be more receptive to future ideas.
Contact us today if you'd like the assistance of seasoned HOA management professionals. We have over 10 years of experience and tailor our solutions to each community.
