Holiday Decorations & Common Areas — Friendly Policy That Sticks

Holiday Decorations & Common Areas: A Friendly Policy That Sticks

The season is festive—and occasionally fraught. Clear, friendly guidelines prevent conflict and protect safety. Here’s a simple policy set your board can publish and actually enforce.

1) Start with tone and inclusion.
Affirm the goal: celebrate safely and respectfully. Avoid singling out any tradition. Use neutral terms like “seasonal décor.”

2) Define timelines and placements.
Set up/tear‑down windows (e.g., earliest display and latest removal). Clarify maximum sizes, placements (balconies, lawns, doors), and any restrictions near fire equipment or sightlines.

3) Address safety and nuisance.
Outline electrical safety, fastening methods, quiet hours for music/displays, and brightness limits if needed. Include a simple process for neighbor complaints that routes through management, not social media.

4) Common‑area reservations.
Publish how to reserve rooms or lawns for gatherings: capacity, time blocks, deposits, cleanup standards, and insurance requirements if applicable.

5) Communicate with examples.
Provide photos or sketches of compliant vs. non‑compliant décor. Examples reduce argument and help volunteers enforce consistently.

6) Enforce with a light touch.
Use a courtesy notice that cites the policy and offers a cure window. Thank people for cooperating. The aim is community, not citations.

Template bundle

• Holiday décor one‑pager (timelines, placements, safety)

• Common‑area reservation quick guide

• Courtesy notice template

Publish now, before tempers flare. Clear expectations are the kindest gift the board can give.

Educational content only; not legal advice.
We help boards tailor these policies through JAM Consults and the Board Member Society.