So, what are some of our favorite traditions?

When our daughters were young, we started what has become a special Christmas Eve tradition. After we get home from Christmas Eve church services, we open one present each, and while the contents no longer are a surprise – new pajamas – the surprise comes in the “theme” for the year. We’ve had everything from sports-themed PJ pants, to super heroes, cartoon characters, favorite hobbies, alma maters and most recently – matching sets. We change into our new arrivals before enjoying a big bowl of tortilla soup with tamales. Many a Christmas Day we’ve stayed in those pajamas for the better part of the day!

And what do we love most about our home in the holidays?

We love our open kitchen/living space, especially during the holidays. We can all be together baking in the kitchen, while we’re watching football and enjoying a roaring fire. We love to bake, and especially during the holidays, the kitchen is the gathering place. Our center island is a great prep space, and I love my pull-out spice drawer that is beneath my cook top. Everything is within arms’ reach, and my cook’s pantry is huge. Our best holiday memories are in the kitchen, baking and decorating cookies, making bread, smelling apple cider on the stove, making big messes together! Then, collapsing in front of the television and fire for endless football!

Merry Christmas from JKD Builder and the Durio family!

Thanks for visiting our Homes for the Holidays blog! Now, you can help other Austin families create their own holiday home traditions. Share or comment on this post, and JKD Builder will make a donation to Austin Habitat for Humanity.  Habitat for Humanity is helping hard-working families in Central Texas achieve the dream of home ownership.