The holiday season can often feel like another “to-do” list item for board members. You worry about community engagement dropping and the residents feeling disconnected around this time of the year.
But here’s the thing: Holiday joy isn’t about perfect events or big budgets.
Real holiday cheer comes from the feeling that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. And the best way to build that feeling is through the simple, powerful act of giving back.
This article is a roadmap to recapturing the holiday spirit of your community, and maybe finding a little bit of your own joy along the way.
What We Will Cover Today
Why “Giving Back” is the Cure for Board Burnout
You might be thinking, “We are already tired. How does doing more help?”
When boards focus solely on enforcement and maintenance, the relationship with residents becomes transactional and quickly exhausting. But when you shift the focus to giving back, you change the dynamic. Creating opportunities for generosity does two things:
- It unifies the community. People might disagree on parking rules, but they usually agree on donating to a shelter and supporting those in need.
- It boosts engagement. Residents who never come to meetings will often show up to donate a toy or grab a cup of hot cocoa (More on these examples later on).
Below, we’ve broken down actionable ways to spread holiday joy, starting with helping the wider community and then looking inward to your own residents.
Beyond the Walls: How to Help The Wider Community
One of the most powerful ways to build bonds inside your HOA is to focus on a cause outside of it. Something that gives everyone a shared purpose.
Many boards hesitate here because they fear the logistics. “Who is going to collect everything?” “Where do we store it?’’. The answer is to keep it simple; you just need a system.
The “Porch Pickup” Food Drive: A Step-by-Step Guide
This is our favorite low-friction charity event because it requires almost zero effort from residents, since they don’t even have to leave their house. Instead of asking them to drive cans of food to a central location (which they might forget), you go to them. This is how it works:
- Pick a Charity and a Date:
Choose a local food bank or shelter. Call them first to ask what specific items they need right now (e.g., peanut butter, baby formula, canned veggies). Set a pickup date—Saturday mornings usually work best. - The Communication Blitz:
Use communication tools to inform residents and clarify all pickup details.
The Message: “We’re making it easy to give back! Leave a bag of non-perishable food on your porch by 9:00 AM this Saturday, and we’ll do the rest.”
Remember to list the 3-5 most needed items, so people don’t have to guess. - The Pickup Strategy:
This is the part where you divide the neighborhood into zones, assign a volunteer driver and a “runner” to each zone so that they can drive through, grab the bags, and wave to neighbors.
This works because residents feel good about helping without hassle. You feel good because you see everyone come together to help those in need. This transforms a regular Saturday into a community-wide act of kindness.
Inside the Neighborhood: Showing Residents You Care
Giving back to the world is amazing, but sometimes you need to remind your own residents that they are appreciated, too.
The holidays are the perfect time to put aside your “management” persona for a second and create a real human connection between the board and the residents.
The “Hot Cocoa Morning”: Simple and Sweet
This one is a gentle, welcoming touch that will make all the difference during the holiday season. Perfect for families rushing out the door, neighbors walking their dogs, or anyone who could use a warm moment to start their day. This is how it works:
- The Set-Up:
Place a simple table in a high-traffic area, such as the clubhouse entrance, the mailboxes, or near the school bus stop if you have many kids in the community. The goal is to meet residents where they already are, so the interaction feels effortless.
- What you need:
– Two large dispensers of hot water or pre-made cocoa.
– A selection of instant packets (bonus points for marshmallows, whipped cream, or candy canes)
– A sign that says: “We’re glad you’re part of the community. Have a warm start to your day!”
- What you need:
- Putting into action:
Board members or volunteers stand by the table, hand out warm cups, and offer a sincere “Happy Holidays” or “Good morning.” That’s really all it takes. To make it more engaging, ask residents about their holiday plans or how their week is going. These little conversations go a long way, especially for people who may feel disconnected or assume the board is unapproachable.
This works because it costs pennies per person, but creates a high-value emotional return. A small act of kindness promotes a shift in perspective, humanizing board members and bringing them closer to residents. It can change the tone of your association for the entire year.
Creating Holiday Magic With Zero to Low Cost
We know every association is different. A 500-unit gated community has different resources than a 20-unit condo building. With that in mind, we have prepared a categorized list of ideas for this holiday season that fit into any budget yet signal that the community is active and caring.
- The “Good News” Newsletter: instead of the usual updates about maintenance schedules, send a holiday edition focused entirely on positives. Highlight a neighbor who helped someone, share some good news that has happened in your state, or simply thank the community for a great year.
- The Virtual Recipe Swap: Use your community portal to let residents share their favorite holiday cookie or dinner recipes. It respects privacy (no one has to meet up), but it also shares culture and tradition, strengthening the bonds within the association.
- Holiday Cards for Staff: Do you have a gate guard, a dedicated landscaping crew, or a property manager? Organize a card drive where residents can drop off thank-you notes for the people who keep the community running.
- The “Mitten Tree”: Put a tree in the lobby or clubhouse, but instead of ornaments, ask residents to hang donated mittens, hats, or scarves for a local shelter. It’s a decoration that doubles as a donation.
Don’t Let Logistics Steal Your Joy
The biggest killer of holiday spirit for board members is the logistics. The coordination emails and the “who was supposed to bring the cups?” panic.
This is where a tool like Neigbrs by Vinteum can come in handy. With our platform, you can automate the stress away:
- Event Calendars: Post the “Porch Pickup” date, so everyone gets a reminder on their phone.
- Notices & Emails: Send beautiful, pre-made templates for your “Good News” newsletter without struggling with formatting.
- Document Storage: Upload the food drive flyer, so that every resident is kept in the loop.
When the logistics are handled, you can sit back, relax and enjoy this wonderful holiday season!
Ready to organize your holiday events without the headache? Schedule a free demo of Neigbrs and see how we help you communicate with your community effortlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do we ensure our holiday initiatives are inclusive for residents of all faiths?
Focus on themes of season, community, and charity rather than specific religious imagery. “Winter Wonderland,” “Holiday Cheer,” or “Community Giving” are universal. When decorating common areas, sticking to winter themes (snowflakes, greenery, lights, pinecones) creates a festive atmosphere that welcomes everyone.
2. How can we get residents to volunteer when everyone is so busy in December?
You can make the “ask” very specific and time-limited. Instead of “We need volunteers for the party,” try saying “Can you stand at the cocoa table for 30 minutes on Saturday?” People can be reluctant of open-ended commitments, but if you approach them with a defined, short task, it’s easier to turn a No into a Yes.
3. Is it appropriate for the HOA to use association funds for holiday parties or gifts?
This depends on your governing documents and state laws. Generally, small community-building events are considered valid expenses for “promoting the general welfare,” but lavish gifts or alcohol are not. It is important always to check your bylaws, to ensure the festivities are within the association’s rules.
4. What is the best way to show appreciation to our Property Manager and Staff?
A collective gift from the community is impactful. You can collect small voluntary donations from residents to purchase a gift card, or simply collect signed cards. Public recognition, like a shout-out in the newsletter or at a meeting, also goes a long way in making staff feel valued during a stressful season.
Start Planning Today (And Remember To Breathe)
The holidays are coming fast. It is easy to look at the calendar and panic, thinking you haven’t done enough. But remember the core lesson here: Giving back is what matters most.
You don’t need to do everything on this list. Start today by picking just one idea. And whatever you choose, do it with the intention of spreading joy and warmth. This is what the holiday season is really all about.
