Topic: Christmas Lights?

1st post so I'm not sure that this is the best place for it.

How many complexes put up Christmas Lights? Not sure if this is common or uncommon. We pay a company to put them up every year but not sure that it's worth the money, at least from an owners perspective.

Any thoughts?

The property I manage is a LIHTC property so we do not put up Christmas lights, there is simply no budget for it. I have had a grand total of 1 resident comment on the lack of lights, and he commented on the lack of a decorated tree inside the building as well. I allowed him to put up his own tree in the hallway as long as he took it down after the season. Worked out well.

Our residents represent a wide variety of cultures, so we do not recognize or celebrate any holidays that might be considered to have a religious significance. Instead, I put up decorations and such for Valentines day, New years, etc.

We do minor decorating, and try to stay away from Religious or Santa decoartions. We stick to strictly seasonal items, which inlcudes lights. Residents like it, it gives them that warm fuzzy feeling. We had a Holiday Party this year and everyone loved decorations and no one was offended by any specific decor.
I think having those feel good decorations are a great way to show residents and prospects how you can keep the property looking nice event in those gloomy winter months.

We don't put up Christmas lights but we do have "Holiday decorating contest and light contest. Each resident decorates their apartment door and or patio/balcony. It has been a hit for many years. This way they are participating at their own free will and they can decorate it according to their beliefs. It is optional to participate, but we get a lot of participation....

I would answer this as, if your residents enjoy it and it's not a hardship for you, why not?

The property I live at has balconies and every year tenants put up decorations on their balconies, and I think it's great. It looks festive, fun and everyone enjoys it.

Going further into this, for every office closing notices are sent out stating that In Observance Of [take your pick] the office will be closed, etc. and insert one of those clip art forms for Labor Day, Memorial day, Christmas, new year, whatever the holiday. The favorite among the residents for labor day was that 40's era poster of the woman who has a kerchief around her hair, her shirt sleeve rolled up and arm flexed with the caption "we can do it". Rosie the Riveter!

Several years ago I watched as a naval base in Fairfield CA was embroiled in a heated dispute in which some asked (demanded) that the Christmas display of the manger/baby, wise men,etc, not be allowed (it was a huge display). The base ruled on it, said all are allowed to participate in their religious holiday. The manger has been displayed for the last 40 years and is staying.