By Meghan Streit
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

For Monarch Landing residents, being "home for the holidays" takes on a whole new meaning. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, the Naperville community is aglow with holiday decorations, concerts, and parties.

Eat, drink, and be merry
Monarch Landing’s front entrance boasts a huge decorated Christmas tree, and inside, everything from the fireplace mantle in the clubhouse to the napkins in the dining room are decked with holiday cheer.

"We spend days getting the place decorated," says catering and events coordinator Diane Brod. "It’s just like home. We pull out the decorations, decide which tree will go where, and make sure all the lights work."

With hundreds of friends and neighbors nearby and a full line-up of holiday-themed entertainment, Brod says no one is ever alone during the holidays at Monarch Landing. In addition to the resident singing group and bell choir, which organize holiday shows, the community also hosts several outside performers.

"We have holiday entertainment throughout the month of December," Brod says. "At least three times a week, there is a concert, speaker, or reception to celebrate the season of giving and sharing."

Of course, what would the holidays be without decadent foods? Homemade cookies, juicy turkeys, and scrumptious finger foods are some of the best perks of the season. Brod says delicious party snacks and traditional meals are abundant at Monarch Landing celebrations.

Holidays minus the hassle
Not only can residents enjoy special holiday meals at the Millstone Restaurant, but they can also use the community’s private dining room to host celebrations with friends and family. Of course, many residents choose to entertain their families in their own spacious apartment homes, but when residents want to throw a stress-free party, the private dining room and catering services are always available.