Guidelines for Holiday Decorating By Heidi Stinson, Stinson Services
D
ecorating a community for the holidays can be exciting but also tough, especially with differences in cultures and expectations. While some communities experience residents going a little overboard with lights and trimmings, in general, seasonal enhancements aren’t too painful and have some great benefits for the community as a whole. They foster camaraderie among the residents and promoting a festive, holiday spirit within the community. The general consensus is that tasteful, seasonal decorations have a way of spreading good cheer during the holiday season and residents of cooperative and condominium housing want to be part of a community. Whether it’s with simple lights or elaborate displays, each community differs in the type and quantity of decorations allowed. There are associations that prefer modest touches and others that sponsor full-on contests between neighbors. Regardless of the decorating preferences, guidelines can typically be found in the governing documents and should be followed per rules and regulations.
Here are a few guidelines to follow when decorating for the holidays: •
Major holiday decorations should be displayed on the first day of the month in which the holiday falls. Examples: Halloween décor should not be displayed until October 1. Thanksgiving décor on November 1.
•
Minor holiday decorations should be displayed a week before or the week of the celebration. Example: Valentine’s décor displayed between February 7 and 14.
•
Multiple holiday decoration displays are not encouraged. Example: Valentine’s cannot be displayed with leprechauns when St. Patrick’s Day falls mid-March & Valentine’s day midFebruary. Put up the St. Patrick’s Day décor after Valentine’s day or don’t display the leprechauns and shamrocks at all.
Make nice with the neighbors and always maintain good holiday light etiquette. Here are a few tips: •
Holiday lights are OK to go up the day after Thanksgiving. You can take them down any time after New Year’s Day, but before January 6—that’s Three Kings Day and the last of the 12 days of Christmas. Even if your lights celebrate a different faith this holiday season, the Black-Friday-to-Three-Kings-Day window is still a great guideline.
•
Be aware of your neighbors’ floor plan. Does their bedroom window back up to the side of your house? If so, it might be in good taste to not put lights up there. If you’re not sure, don’t hesitate to ask your neighbors about the lights disturbing them.
•
It’s OK to keep the lights on all night, as long as you’re not disturbing any neighbors. But to save power, consider putting your lights on a timer.
•
If your neighbors are the ones participating in poor holiday light etiquette, approach with caution. You don’t want to be a Scrooge on their Christmas display; but if their lights are keeping you from sleep, it’s OK to say something. Be polite and offer a compromise, such as a turn-off time for the lights.
When you find yourself stressing about the holidays, try to remember the true spirit of the season and be grateful for the wonderment of the season. The holiday season is the perfect time to pause and reflect on the gifts you’ve been given and the people you have in your life. Acknowledging your gratitude has proven to be one of the best methods for reducing stress and increasing feelings of happiness, pleasure and joy. Happy Holidays to all. 24
Minnesota Communit y Living