In Severance, Colorado, a 28-foot inflatable Santa Claus made headlines when a letter from the homeowners association briefly placed the family on its naughty list.
The giant holiday figure, erected in the Flores family backyard, caught the attention of the community and the local media.
Residents were surprised when the HOA’s Fromm & Company, LLC sent a notice demanding the Santa’s removal.
The letter cited the figure’s excessive height as the reason for the violation.
No specific height limit was mentioned, but the notice included potential fines.
The incident sparked a debate about holiday decorations and community standards.
The story illustrates how a festive display can become a point of contention.
At the center of the controversy is the Flores family’s beloved Santa, a towering inflatable that has become a local landmark.
Dora Flores told KDVR that the Santa was installed as a way to celebrate the holidays.
“We love him, we absolutely love him,” Flores said.
“He brings a lot of happiness to our house and to the community as well.”
The figure’s presence has brought smiles to neighbors and visitors alike.
It stands 28 feet tall, making it one of the largest inflatable Santas in the area.
The family’s enthusiasm for the decoration underscores their commitment to holiday cheer.
In early December, Fromm & Company, LLC, a housing management company affiliated with the Severance community, sent Flores a letter demanding the Santa’s removal.
The letter stated, “The Santa Claus located in your backyard is excessive in height and not permitted. Please remove immediately.”
While the notice did not specify a height restriction, it listed possible fines the family could face.
The lack of a clear rule left the Flores family uncertain about the exact violation.
The letter’s tone suggested a serious enforcement action.
The family was left to question the basis for the demand.
The incident highlighted a gap in the community’s decoration guidelines.
Following the letter, the Flores family deflated the Santa for a short period.
However, neighbors quickly rallied to support the holiday figure.
A social media campaign emerged to save Santa, drawing attention from residents across the community.
Kimberly Bigler, a local resident, said, “Seeing Santa every time we come in and out of the community is just so fun.”
She added, “And it brings so much joy, and all my kids always look for it.”
The campaign emphasized the Santa’s role as a source of joy for children.
Community members also reached out to officials to argue the family’s case.
On Tuesday, Flores reported that she had received a call from the HOA’s upper management.
She said, “This morning I did receive a call from the upper management of our HOA apologizing and letting us know that we can keep Santa, and letting us know that it was a mistake on their behalf.”
The call clarified that the earlier letter was an error.
It also confirmed that the HOA would not enforce the removal of the Santa.
The apology was unexpected by the family and neighbors.
The HOA’s acknowledgment helped calm tensions in the community.
It also restored the Santa’s status as a holiday staple.
After the apology, neighbors gathered with the Flores family to celebrate the Santa’s continued presence.
Linda Hooper, another resident, expressed her joy, saying, “I love the outcome. I love that we came together and that Santa is staying.”
She added, “Maple syrup and cocoa for everybody!”
The gathering highlighted the community’s collective spirit.
It also underscored the Santa’s role in bringing people together.
The celebration took place in the Flores backyard.
The family and neighbors celebrated the holiday spirit.
The Flores family’s decision to temporarily deflate the Santa shows their willingness to comply with community rules.
Their actions were driven by a desire to avoid conflict.
However, they quickly reinstated the figure once they understood the HOA’s mistake.
The family’s love for the Santa is evident in their statements.
They see the figure as a source of happiness for their home and for the community.
Their experience highlights the importance of clear communication.
The family remains hopeful for future holiday decorations.
A representative for Fromm & Company was unable to say why the initial violation letter was sent to Flores and her family.
The representative confirmed that it was an error on their part.
This admission clarified the confusion surrounding the letter.
The HOA’s acknowledgment was a key factor in resolving the dispute.
It also demonstrated the company’s willingness to correct mistakes.
The incident has prompted a review of communication protocols.
The community now has a clearer understanding of the HOA’s policies.
The incident underscored how a single holiday decoration can unite a neighborhood.
Residents praised the Santa for its festive presence.
The community’s response was swift and supportive.
Social media posts highlighted the joy the figure brings to children.
The collective action demonstrated the power of community engagement.
It also reflected the residents’ appreciation for holiday traditions.
The story will likely be remembered as a positive example of neighborly cooperation.
With the HOA’s approval, the 28-foot Santa will remain in the Flores backyard for the remainder of the holiday season.
The family plans to keep the figure inflated and visible to the community.
They hope the Santa will continue to bring joy to children and residents alike.
The family has expressed gratitude for the community’s support.
They also anticipate that the experience will inform future holiday decoration decisions.
The Santa’s presence will serve as a reminder of the importance of clear guidelines.
The community will likely celebrate the holiday season with the giant figure in place.
Key Takeaways
- The HOA’s initial letter was based on an error, not a clear rule.
- The community rallied to support the Santa, using social media and direct appeals.
- The HOA apologized, allowing the 28-foot Santa to stay.
Severance’s giant Santa story shows that holiday cheer can sometimes clash with community rules, but open dialogue can resolve conflicts.
The Flores family, the HOA, and neighbors worked together to keep the festive figure standing.
The incident highlights the importance of clear guidelines and communication.
It also reminds us that a simple inflatable Santa can bring a community together.
As the holiday season continues, the 28-foot Santa will remain a symbol of joy and cooperation in Severance.
