'Twas the night before Christmas, and throughout the community

Not a complaint was heard - there existed pure unity;

The thank-you notes were placed on the bulletin board with care,

In hopes that the board and manager would soon see them there.

The homeowners were nestled all snug in their beds,

No worries of paint, roofs, or plumbing disturbing their heads,

And the Vice President in her condo, and I in mine too,

Had just settled down for a break from reviewing the dues.

When out in the courtyard there arose such a clatter,

I sprang to my balcony to see just what was the matter.

Our meetings these neighbors had routinely ignored.

The (formerly) jolly man left as quickly as he came here,

Amidst the sound of what? Eight snorting ... reindeer?

In a moment came another, without much ado,

He arrived with a viewpoint both refreshing and new,

I knew instantly it was manager Nick,

He knew what was needed and he brought it right quick.

He said "Now, Member! Now, Neighbor! Now, Bylaws and Covenant,

Please, just ask a few questions before your next comment.

Now back to your homes, return to your castles,

Please, at least for today, let's cease with these hassles."

"You have no working elves, so HOAs thrive when all work as a team,

If you focus only on yourselves, a nightmare it will soon seem.

Your association is just like a large rowboat,

If each rows solo, we all cannot for long keep afloat."

Amidst headshakes and handshakes, the courtyard then cleared,

And I hoped that above still flew a sleigh and eight impatient reindeer.

Sadly, no reindeer or jolly elves returned to the site,

But neighbors reached out to others and started treating them right.

A different air began to stir and grow in our complex;

The Golden Rule became the HOA's theme and its text.

Readers: May peace and neighborliness permeate your communities in the coming year!