Wait a minute, it’s still September. Why are we talking Christmas lights already?

I promise, I’m not the type that starts celebrating before Thanksgiving, but there are some who’ll be asking soon enough.

Besides, if someone is to put up Christmas lights, wouldn’t it be easier before the snow is on the ground?

Since all of our 55+ senior communities are governed by HOA’s, some of you might be wondering if you can even put lights up at all.

HOA Rules Regarding Holiday Decorations

First of all, you can put up Christmas lights:

Yes, Christmas lights and decorations are permitted, however, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

1. The lights cannot be hung in a manner that causes damage to the home exterior, gutters or siding. The HOA is responsible for maintaining the exteriors of the building, and they don’t want to be repairing the aftermath of your festivities.

 

2. For all of you early celebrators, Christmas décor may not be displayed before Thanksgiving Day. It must also be removed and stored no later than the last day of the first week of January of the following year (weather permitting).

 

3. These same rules apply for other holidays. So if you like to decorate for Halloween or for Thanksgiving, you are welcome to. Just don’t damage the exteriors of the buildings. As far as timing is concerned, the decorations may not be displayed more than two weeks before or more than one week after the given holiday.

Second, there are the other decorations:

Lights are not the only thing people like to install around the holidays. There are inflatable Santas, manger scenes, and a whole bunch of other stuff that I don’t always understand. If you’re going to be putting these things up, please follow the guidelines above.

If your decorations are in poor taste, the HOA does have the right to ask you to take them down.

Third, you can’t forget the other stuff:

While the HOA can be a bit of a stickler on the exterior of the homes, it does not regulate what you do within your own home. Feel free to put up your Christmas tree in September and take it down in June of next year.

You can even nail lights into your walls, provided you don’t ask us to come back and patch them for you. Be as festive as you want. Can I recommend the cookies? That’s got to be my favorite part of the holidays. Sugar cookies, ginger snaps, gingerbread, shoot—I even like fruitcake!

Being festive in an active adult community is easy. The HOA has its rules, but let’s face it, the holidays are about much more than a few lights or exterior decorations. They’re about remembering, serving, and enjoying the company of those whom you love most.

With Summer in the rear-view mirror, it’s time to get ready for the holiday season. If you don’t have family nearby, then by all means, move into one of our awesome senior communities. We’re full of active adults for you to make lasting friendships with. The holidays have never been more fun!