The holiday season is a great time to foster relationships with your tenants and to promote strong relationships throughout your housing community. When deciding on decorations and holiday events, consider the demographics of the people living in your properties. Since the holiday season causes almost everyone to feel stressed, this is one of the best times of year to give your tenants a hand and show that you care about them.

1. Ask

Ask specifically what your tenants need help with during the holiday season. Even if they say that they do not need help with anything, they will know that you care about them during this busy time of year.

2. Decorate

If you plan on using holiday symbols such as Christmas trees or menorahs, be sure to keep in mind the religions of your residents. Often times, it is best to use secular but festive decorations. Use decorations that focus on the winter season, such as snowflakes and snowmen, rather than decorations that correlate to a specific holiday. Hang lights in the trees outside or off the roof of the building.

Use a simple, attractive color scheme for lights such as silver and gold so that the decorations do not seem overwhelming. Make sure to avoid cluttering your building with ornaments. Instead, choose simple and elegant decorations. Your decorations should help welcome home current residents as well as attract potential residents who see your building.

3. Host a Holiday Party

If you manage an apartment complex or multi-family units, hosting a holiday party is a great way to foster community and show your appreciation to all your tenants. Pick a convenient location for your residents to attend such as the building’s lobby or recreation room. If you want to limit expenses, have the holiday party be a potluck. Make sure to have a sign-up sheet so there is a variety of food. Some other fun features to have at a holiday party is a hot chocolate bar or cookie decorating. A gift exchange or cookie swap are other events that can make your party unique. If you have children who are residents, have someone dress up as Santa and have him listen to what the children want for the holidays.

4. Put Out Treats

If you do not want to go through the hassle of having a holiday party, a simple way to show your residents that you appreciate them is to put out treats at the leasing office and concierge desk. This can be as simple as putting out some cookies on a platter or chocolates in a bowl.

5. Send Out a Custom Holiday Card

Custom holiday cards are a nice, personal gift to show your tenants that you are thinking of them during the busy holiday season. To make the card more personal, address it to the specific family and include the parents’ and children’s names on the card. Also, people often hang up holiday cards in their homes during the holiday season which works as free advertising for your property.

6. Post a Calendar or Send Out an Email of Local Holiday Events

Letting your residents know of local holiday events allows them to engage in the community. This is also helpful to residents who do not have family nearby so they do not have to spend their holidays alone.

7. Give Your Tenants a Gift

Giving your tenants a small gift is a great way to show your appreciation for them.

• Gift Cards: Gift cards are a simple gift to show that you care about your residents.
• Wine: For residents over 21, a bottle of wine is a thoughtful, sophisticated gift.
• Rent Reduction: If you want to be generous, a one-time rent reduction can help give your residents a very happy holiday season. Since the holiday season tends to be very expensive, being able to save on rent during the holidays can lower your tenants’ stress levels.

8. Send Out a Survey

After the holiday season ends, send out a survey to your residents to receive feedback on your holiday festivities. Sending out a survey shows your residents that you care about their input. Furthermore, their suggestions will help you improve for next year.

Remember to be generous during this time of year to help your residents have a wonderful holiday season. Small acts of kindness during the holiday season can go a long way to show your appreciation for your residents and to help lower their stress levels during this busy time of year.