It is one of the most beautiful times of the year when people seem to be filled with good cheer and love for their fellow man and woman.  To celebrate that their good cheer, they go out of their way to deck their homes with wreaths and lights and all kinds of outdoor decorations.  It is the time of year when families either walk around their neighborhoods enjoying the decorations or, with children’s faces in wide eyed wonder, drive through other neighborhoods oohing and aahing over the decorations.  But it is also the time of year for the grinch to rear its ugly head, especially where these Christmas decorations are in a homeowners association. We all know that we can’t have fun in a residential association, don’t we?

Deborah Goonan joins us On The Commons.  Deborah is the creator and host of the amazing and much read blog called Independent American Communities. where all the latest HOA stories can be found.  And as can be expected stories about Christmas and other holiday lights and decorations are coming under fire by the HOA grinches right about now.  Not only are people’s holidays being ruined by the HOA self anointed Supreme Neighbors who think they have a right to dictate who, what, how, where and when residential America may celebrate the holidays but in the process may be ruining fundraising efforts for needy charities.  For one such story (with a happy ending) check this out.  And of course the UBER grinch (CAI) to the rescue with their “guidelines” on when, where, how, how many, what color, etc, etc, etc. Is it any wonder that more and more housing consumers are listing NO HOA in their list of must have’s when house hunting?  Ho Ho Ho.

Tell us your stories  in your own words