What’s acceptable to display during the holidays? Christmas Trees?

Topic Author
Bràndon JB
5 years 11 months ago #24322 by Bràndon JB
Alright, the "holidays" are approaching and this gets brought up every year in my office. Whats acceptable to display? Christmas Trees? Only things that say "Happy Holidays"? Santa?
5 years 11 months ago #24322 by Bràndon JB
Topic Author
Aaron Potier
5 years 11 months ago #24323 by Aaron Potier
All of the above.
5 years 11 months ago #24323 by Aaron Potier
Topic Author
Angel Rogers
5 years 11 months ago #24324 by Angel Rogers
Trees and Santa are OK! Avoid a manger scene or anything religious - if a resident says Merry Christmas to you then say it back if you feel like doing so.

OK to use: Fair Housing Friendly Holiday Decorations

Fruit
Bows
Candles (no religious)
Candy Canes
Gingerbread
Snowmen - Snow - Snowflakes
Glitter
Greenery
Holly
Icicles
Sleds
Gold or Silver Red or Green
Mistletoe
Pine Cones
Plain or Colored lights
Poinsettias
Reindeer
Bells
Cranberries
Teddy Bears
Trees
Wreaths
5 years 11 months ago #24324 by Angel Rogers
Topic Author
Stephanie Millen
5 years 11 months ago #24325 by Stephanie Millen
5 years 11 months ago #24325 by Stephanie Millen
Topic Author
Scott Schneider
5 years 11 months ago #24326 by Scott Schneider
Rule #1: Know your audience. If you have a group of residents that are going to get offended, don't do it, or alternately let them add their decoration too.
5 years 11 months ago #24326 by Scott Schneider
Topic Author
Sarah Trefz Watson
5 years 11 months ago #24327 by Sarah Trefz Watson
Winter is fine. Any holiday specific item I would steer clear of.
5 years 11 months ago #24327 by Sarah Trefz Watson
Topic Author
Heather Everett King
5 years 11 months ago #24328 by Heather Everett King
I had one particularly cranky resident who objected loudly about our tree decorated with gold and bronze butterflies. She was Jewish and wanted to be represented. She volunteered to lead any neighbors who were interested through the nightly Hanukkah prayers and was able to share in a prominent place near the tree. It was a lovely solution and we all learned about the traditions and meanings behind this holy holiday for our Jewish neighbors. This may not be a blanket solution but worked well at this community. As was mentioned earlier know your audience!
5 years 11 months ago #24328 by Heather Everett King
Topic Author
Sonna Renae
5 years 11 months ago #24329 by Sonna Renae
I'm going to have a tree and a menorah
5 years 11 months ago #24329 by Sonna Renae
Topic Author
Hope Bussard
5 years 11 months ago #24330 by Hope Bussard
My company puts a tree and lights up at every property.
5 years 11 months ago #24330 by Hope Bussard
Topic Author
Anne Sadovsky
5 years 11 months ago #24331 by Anne Sadovsky
Decorating Christmas as a Holiday is fine, just no baby Jesus or religious music. You are not obligated to decorate for every religion because you are not decorating for any religion
5 years 11 months ago #24331 by Anne Sadovsky
Topic Author
Chris Finetto
5 years 11 months ago #24332 by Chris Finetto
You do what you're comfortable with. With that said, be respectful to not make others uncomfortable -- or better said, try to make everyone comfortable, although that's not likely possible...

Merry Christmas!
5 years 11 months ago #24332 by Chris Finetto
Topic Author
Amy Justus Katz
5 years 11 months ago #24333 by Amy Justus Katz
Christmas is a Christian holiday.’it’s not an American holiday and it’s not an “everyone” thing. So do what you will, but Know that.
5 years 11 months ago #24333 by Amy Justus Katz
Topic Author
Anne Sadovsky
5 years 11 months ago #24334 by Anne Sadovsky
To be sure no misunderstanding; of course, it is a Christian holiday. Our personal opinions are not relevant where fair housing is concerned. In the housing industry, the point is, don't use any religious symbols in any decorating efforts. We don't use a particular religious symbol because it would be darn near impossible to have every religion honored.
5 years 11 months ago #24334 by Anne Sadovsky