Many associations throw a party for members or decorate the community during the winter holiday season. If you do this, make sure you are not giving the impression that the association favors one religious holiday over another. If you do create that impression, you could open the association to a claim of discrimination based on religion. This is a violation of the Fair Housing Act.

Here are six dos and don’ts to help get you through the holiday season without violating fair housing laws:

DON’T refer to a particular religions’ holiday, either through words or symbols. By not referring to particular religions’ holiday, you are less likely to offend a member who celebrates another holiday. You will also be less likely to have to accommodate a member’s request to represent another holiday in the decorating process.

DO use nonreligious decorations. Put up a “Happy Holidays” sign rather than a “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukah” sign. Put up a snowman instead of a Christmas tree. If you plan on putting up a tree, call it a holiday tree and allow the members to decorate it with items that represent their religious beliefs and winter activities they enjoy.

DO give all religions equal representations if you use religious decorations. Include decorations for all the holidays celebrated in that month and make sure that the decorations are of comparable size and visibility.

DO throw holiday parties or winter celebrations. This helps bring the community together without leaving out members with different religious beliefs.

DO offer equal access to all religions when reserving the clubhouse or other facilities. It is okay to allow the clubhouse to be used for a member’s religious holiday party, as long as it is made available for all such parties. In addition, make sure that the clubhouse is rented on a first-come, first-served basis, not based on whether the date is more appropriate for a particular holiday.