According to data from Visual Capitalist, Christmas is America's favorite holiday, with Thanksgiving coming in second. If you're in an HOA, you understand the importance of celebrating the seasons and the accompanying holidays, ensuring all community members feel included.
Seasonal HOA ideas lead to neighborhood revitalization, embracing the changing seasons as neighbors form connections with one another. But what are the best community engagement ideas that bring everyone together? Let's take a look.
Cookie Swaps
Cookie swaps are perfect for any type of year and for any holiday. This time-honored tradition is one of the best seasonal activities for neighbors - hosted by HOA management - as they can share their favorite recipes with neighbors.
Those interested would bake cookies and come together, usually at a clubhouse, to swap what they made. Take the opportunity to reach out to new neighbors or anyone looking to get out and meet new friends. Just remember to include a copy of each recipe for possible allergies and/or food sensitivities.
Friendsgiving
Anyone who loves Thanksgiving will have a great time celebrating Friendsgiving. There are several ways to carry out this festive HOA community event:
- Host it at a local clubhouse
- Have several neighbors open their home
- If weather permits, turn it into an outdoor block party
When multiple neighbors host Friendsgiving, one home would host hors d'oeuvres, one would host the main course, and one would host dessert. Guests sign up to bring a covered dish, making this an opportunity to meet new neighbors and enjoy the ones they know.
Decorating Contest for the Holidays
This is perfect for any time of year. Neighbors in an HOA should be encouraged to decorate their homes, engaging in a little friendly - and neighborly - competition.
To encourage participants, turn this into a charity drive and ask everyone participating to donate $5, for example. The money would then be donated to a local charity, and the winner of the Holiday Decoration Contest would win bragging rights for the best-decorated home.
Make this into a charity drive by collecting items for food banks, children in need, animal shelters, and more.
You can up the ante by having a gingerbread decorating contest and even an ugly sweater contest, encouraging everyone to come out, show their holiday spirit, and donate to the less fortunate.
Community Movie Nights
Community movie nights are great for the holidays, queueing up some of the best seasonal flicks out there. During the warm months, these could be movies in the park using a screen and projector. If there's no ideal outdoor movie space, a clubhouse with a TV is great.
Some great winter holiday movies include:
- Home Alone
- Elf
- Eight Crazy Nights
- A Christmas Story
- The Santa Clause
- National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
- The Holiday
- The Polar Express
You can also use this time of year for pictures with Santa, having a local community member dress up for children of all ages. You can even allow pets to take pics with Santa.
The Best Seasonal HOA Ideas
Seasonal HOA ideas are inclusive, fun, and can benefit a charity. By hosting one of these exciting events, you'll encourage new friendships with neighbors while giving back to the community.
Does your HOA need assistance? If so, PMI Meridian Management can help. We offer unparalleled property management.
Contact us today to learn more.
