One of the most accepted methods to bring your HOA together is to do things as a group. What better time to generate such possibilities than over the holiday season? Finding enjoyable activities that are both community-building and appropriate for people of all ages is the key to having a wonderful day for everyone. Here are a few suggestions for bringing the community together and engaging with one another on a deeper level.
Show Our Troops You Care
Many of us take it for granted that we will be spending the holidays with our loved ones. Many of the country's military members, on the other hand, will not be able to return home for the holidays. Hold an afternoon event where residents can join together to write notes, create care packages, and show our troops that we are all thinking about them this holiday season. Invite members of the armed services to a holiday meal or treat if they happen to be around. Everybody enjoys a homemade treat.
Cook Together for A Cause
During the holidays, it is customary to spend a significant amount of time in the kitchen. This is also the greatest moment for a talk. Find a cause that is important to the community and set aside time to cook together. People can assemble in the community clubhouse or at someone's home to prepare a dinner for a needy family or to make casseroles or desserts for a local shelter.
Put Together Mugs of Cheer
Everyone enjoys receiving gifts over the holidays. So why not put together cups of cheer that can be delivered? This last year has helped us gain a deeper appreciation for our neighborhood heroes, such as medical personnel, teachers, and assisted living careers. Find affordable holiday mugs, fill them with individual coffee, tea, or hot chocolate packets, and give them a pleasant handwritten message thanking them for all their hard work and commitment.
Host a Movie Night
Bring everyone together for a week of family-friendly movies like Home Alone, The Grinch, The Polar Express, or Elf. To go along with the theme of the event, rent a popcorn machine or have face painting. The kids will enjoy it, and don't forget to order pizza!
Do a Live (or Virtual) Talent Show
Many of us have picked up a slew of new skills in the last year or so. If you've recently become a professional juggler or learned to play the guitar, this is an excellent time to show off your skills. You have the option of hosting a live event or using Zoom. In either case, everyone gets to see and hear some of your community's best entertainment.
Host a Holiday Market
With the popularity of small-business purchasing on the upswing, staging a holiday market featuring local businesses and talent is becoming more prevalent. This is a chance for your neighbors, who may be small business owners, to promote their merchandise, as well as a time and place for the HOA community members to come together and spend time together. To ensure the event's success, make sure there is food available, possibly in the form of a food truck, as well as live music.
There are numerous ways to encourage your community to come together and spend quality time together. Find the one (or two) that fits your community's needs and lifestyle, whether it's a small, personal gathering like cooking together or a larger event like a holiday market or movie night.
Final Thoughts
Overall, there's no shortage of entertaining holiday events that your community can plan to foster a sense of togetherness among residents. Whether you choose to host events virtually or in-person, there is no better time than the holidays to come together and enjoy the company of your community.
Jennifer Harvey
Carolyn Thacker
Holly Bunch
