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About This Guide
Certain types of events in community associations (co-op, condo, or HOAs) may require board permission and oversight, or committee planning and oversight. Review your governing documents for policies regarding decorations, visitors, children (55+ communities), common area use and reservations, etc. Additionally, any outside vendors will require active insurance (and a certificate of insurance).
How Management Can Help
Management can help to share events in email communications or texts. This is the recommended method to conserve paper and costs for your community.
Reminders
Follow your community’s common area policies. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Common area reservations
- Equipment use and/or rental
- Clean-up and decorations
- Guest policies (notify security and/or guard booths if applicable)
- Guest capacity
- Food and beverage allowance
- Event duration or timing
- Noise policies
Ways to Celebrate Holiday Season in Community Associations
- Decorate a common area. Deck a common area such as the lobby, or event space with inclusive decorations for the holidays.
- Run an elf on a shelf /mensch on a bench contest. Be sure to keep it family-friendly! Then, submit or share the best entries in your next community newsletter.
- Organize a community-wide holiday event. Coordinate a festive event to mark the season. For example, some ideas include but are not limited to:
- Ugly sweater night
- Santa brunch (for kids and/or grandkids)
- Grab and go hot cocoa bar
- Grab bag gift exchange
- New Year’s party
- Holiday bingo
- Menorah lighting (Use LED bulbs to promote fire safety)
- Disco & Dreidel Night/Chanukah party
- Tree lighting (in common area i.e. – lobby or clubhouse)
- Gingerbread house/cookie decorating
- Create or share a holiday movie list or calendar. Share the list with your neighbors.
- Read a holiday-themed book this month. Classic or contemporary holiday reading makes for spirited community building.
- Holiday crochet or knitting. Find a holiday pattern for all avid knitters or crocheters to enjoy.
- Organize a recipe swap. For ideas or recipes to get started, see our virtual recipe swap.
- Share a family holiday tradition in your next newsletter. This is a great way to highlight community members and spread holiday merriment.
- Thankful of holiday staff. Coordinate a group effort to band together to thank your building staff with a group gift and card.
- Run a food or gift drive. Find out how to participate with organizations such as Long Island Cares, Island Harvest, Toys for Tots, and more.
There are Many Ways to Build Community This Holiday Season!
Holiday season is a great opportunity for co-ops, condos, and HOAS to foster a neighborly environment. Organizing events for all homeowners, shareholders, or residents to enjoy is well worth the effort as it can add value, pride, fun, and a sense of belonging to your home and community.
