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Military families living in base housing in Florida were ordered to take down their Christmas decorations to comply with “standards” set by the privatized housing management company.
Service members and families at Tyndall Air Force Base, about 12 miles from Panama City, received an email titled “One Holiday at a Time,” warning residents not to display Christmas decorations early, according to a post shared on a Facebook page for Airmen.
“While driving through the neighborhoods yesterday, it was noticed that Christmas decorations have already begun to appear within the community,” read the message from Balfour Beatty Communities, which manages all privatized housing on the base, Task & Purpose reported.
“All holiday decorations should be reflective of their respective months and not displayed any sooner than 30 days before the given holiday. If you currently have Yuletide décor outside your home, please remove it and reinstall it in accordance with your community guidelines,” the notice continued.
Tyndall’s public affairs chief, Capt. Justin Davidson-Beebe, confirmed the message came from Balfour Beatty Communities and said the company was simply “enforcing the community standards.”
“They are enforcing the standards outlined in the legally binding lease agreement all residents voluntarily sign,” Davidson-Beebe told Task & Purpose.
He added that the policy allows winter decorations from the week after Thanksgiving through the first week of the new year.
“These guidelines are not part of a broader Air Force policy,” he said, noting that decoration rules can vary from base to base.
Davidson-Beebe also noted that the standards align with the Military Housing Privatization Initiative Tenant Bill of Rights, set by Congress in 2020.
A spokesperson for Balfour Beatty Communities confirmed the company’s policy permits decorations up to 30 days before a holiday.
“While this is not a Department of Defense policy, it’s common practice across rental communities and homeowners’ associations to help ensure neighborhoods remain neat, consistent, and enjoyable for all residents,” the spokesperson said.
Even as the company insisted it was simply following policy, troops and veterans took to social media to mock the early-Christmas crackdown.
“The Grinch is running housing at Tyndall?” one user wrote.
“I’m the Grinch until the day after Thanksgiving — but it’s wild they have it in writing,” another said.
“Some people have more Christmas in their soul, let them be,” wrote another.
“Mail them a ton of Christmas cards. Seems appropriate. (With extra glitter),” One commenter joked.
“I might put my Christmas tree up today, just because of this,” another added.
