As the year 2021 comes to a close, homeowners associations across the nation are preparing for their final celebrations. To make for a truly memorable beginning for the year 2022, here are the best HOA New Year activities associations can organize for their community.
Want to Host HOA New Year Activities? Here Are the Best Event Ideas
It is not uncommon for homeowners associations to host holiday parties and celebrations. From big Fourth of July events to Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, there is always an event that can bring people together. For a lot of homeowners, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are two of the biggest holidays. It signals the start of a new chapter in their lives, which is something definitely worth celebrating.
As a way to lift people’s spirits after almost two consecutive years of uncertainty, homeowners associations can plan New Year activities that everyone in the community can enjoy. New Year events can also bring neighbors closer together as well as act as a bridge for new connections to form. Here are the best HOA new year event ideas a board or social committee can plan.
1. Community Dinner on New Year’s Eve
It might be one of the more obvious homeowners association new year activities, but it remains a classic for a reason.
A community dinner is a great way to welcome the new year while spending time with other residents. It does not get any more personal or intimate than breaking bread with neighbors.
For a successful community dinner, it is important to plan ahead. Set a date and time early on so that residents can mark their calendars. Then, lock down a venue. The dinner can take place in the community clubhouse or some other common space that is big enough for everyone. There is also the decision of whether the food will be catered or if residents should bring food for sharing, much like a potluck. Add in a few festive decorations and some drinks at the end of the night, and you’ve got a simple yet memorable New Year activity.
2. New Year’s Cookout
A big New Year’s Eve party may sound great, but it takes significant planning — not to mention a sizable budget — to execute. One way to get residents involved while still maintaining that trademark festive feel is to organize a New Year’s Cookout. This can be a community cookout that takes place in a single location or a neighborhood-wide barbecue with each homeowner grilling food in their own backyard. Afterward, people can share what they have prepared with everyone else.
3. Countdown at the Clubhouse
Nothing says “Happy New Year” quite like a countdown. For that extra holiday cheer, consider organizing a countdown event at the community clubhouse. Homeowners associations can hold their own countdown events, complete with a ball drop of their own or some other creative way to ring in the new year.
Alternatively, HOAs can also choose to livestream the Time Square Ball Drop for all residents to enjoy together. Associations can also serve champagne, though sparingly, so there is something to clink when the last second of 2021 passes.
4. Early Outdoor Celebration
As many New Year celebrations involve dinner parties and countdowns, some residents may be unable to attend and feel left out. A good solution to this dilemma is to organize something that everyone can enjoy during the daytime.
Consider holding an early outdoor celebration on the day of New Year’s Eve or a few days prior. Perhaps you can merge the New Year’s Cookout idea with games and activities fit for all ages. A big bouncy house or an outdoor treasure hunt can really spice things up. An outdoor bash is especially great for communities with a high population of seniors or kids. Though, it may not be advisable if the community is located in an area that experiences freezing temperatures.
5. New Year’s Resolution Board
Who says HOA New Year activities can’t be something simple and budget-friendly? For a low-cost way to celebrate the coming year, associations can put up a New Year’s Resolution Board where residents can share their own resolutions for everyone else to see. After all, for a lot of people, a new year means turning over a new leaf.
This requires minimal effort and materials. Just cut up enough pieces of multi-colored construction paper, have some tape handy, and have a few pens nearby. Associations can even convert existing community boards into ones for New Year’s Resolutions. This activity not only encourages participation from residents but also promotes bonding through more personal means.
6. Celebrate Virtually
This low-budget HOA new year celebration takes advantage of technology. As people spent a lot of their time online this past year, it almost feels unnatural not to keep the routine going. Additionally, some residents may still feel apprehensive about celebrating with other people in such close quarters.
Homeowners associations can organize a virtual New Year’s Eve party using platforms such as Zoom and GoToMeeting. This is particularly great for homebodies who prefer to socialize remotely.
With a virtual celebration, homeowners can give neighbors a look into their home’s decorations from a safe distance. From the comfort of their homes, residents can count down the new year, send each other well wishes, and even play games together. It is enough to melt the heart of even the grumpiest curmudgeon in the community.
Reminding Homeowners of the Community’s Rules
As celebrations reach their peak at the end of the year, associations would do well to send out rule reminders to homeowners ahead of time. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day parties are sure to take place across the neighborhood. This means there is a higher chance of nuisances and injuries, such as:
- Noise. From loud music to people screaming “Happy New Year” at the top of their lungs, HOAs should expect noise levels to rise.
- Traffic and parking. Guests attending holiday parties will likely bring their own vehicles, creating a problem with traffic and parking.
- Fireworks. Fireworks can give rise to home fires, injuries, and even death. As such, HOAs should consider prohibiting fireworks in their communities without an experienced professional.
Bring Back the Joy This New Year
The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly had a negative impact on the lives of many. People feel more drained and irritable, even going so far as to cripple their holiday spirit. A surefire way to reignite that cheerfulness is to plan HOA New Year activities that everyone can enjoy.
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