This all seems great to me! The weekly events, holidays and birthdays all seem like great ways to bring everyone together for group events and expand on the already great group dynamic that everyone has. The lounge idea sounds good as well, it could also be a space that you coupd potentially allow the sanctuary elves to go to for fun; just an idea.
Personally I'd be most looking forward to the birthdays since it seems like it'll be an exciting 1on1, personal experience with the characters.
As for the objective list, it doesn't sound like a bad idea at least for the early game since as time goes by, the game will get to a point where for new players or anyone replaying the story there will be an overwhelming amount of things you could do so a checklist. And of course it'll help people not miss the new weekly events and other calendar events in case they haven't completed prerequisites.
Loving the direction the game has been going, excited for the future!