Holiday Homeowner Highlight with Brianna

Get into the holiday spirit by reading another edition of Eastbrook Homes’ festive Holiday Homeowner Highlights series. Today’s featured homeowner is Brianna, who shares her heartwarming experiences of creating holiday memories in her family-centric neighborhood. 

From the joy of holiday gatherings to the significance of cherished decorations passed down through generations, Brianna paints a picture of a home filled with love and tradition. As we explore her holiday celebrations, from Thanksgiving gratitude to Christmas traditions, Brianna invites us to share in the magic of the close-knit community she’s excited to be a part of this holiday season.  

When did you move into your Eastbrook home?

December 2020

What community do you live in?

Lowing Woods

What has been your favorite thing about the community?

My favorite thing about Lowing Woods is how family-friendly the community is. The majority of the homeowners in Lowing Woods are families with children. I was doing foster care when I moved in, and it was important to me that it was a family-friendly environment. The park, pool, and community areas are such huge perks of this community! Though I am no longer doing foster care, Lowing Woods is a fantastic community to be involved in.

How do you celebrate the holidays in your home?

Faith is a big part of my family and my holiday celebrations. Thanksgiving is centered on gratitude and thankfulness for our blessings. We have a traditional turkey dinner. We’re not big football fans, but we’ll play games and watch a movie as a family.

Christmas celebration for me is more about the Christmas season as a whole, and not just the day. I am a nurse, and I often work Christmas Day. Decorating my home for Christmas is a big part of my celebration. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are family days. We attend a church service, open presents and stockings, and have a traditional ham dinner.

What is your holiday decoration inspiration?

I like to have pieces that can easily transition from Christmas to Winter. I use a lot of greenery, white, and wood tones. Neutrals with hints of color. I am also sentimental when it comes to my decor. I like to use pieces that hold significance to me. It is usually significant due to my family, faith, or Christmas traditions. For example, the sled is my late Father’s childhood sled. He used it when he was in his childhood home in the 1960s. It still has his name and address on it in my late Grandmother’s handwriting. The ornaments that I have in the upstairs tree all have a story.  My parents started a Christmas tradition where they would give my siblings and me an ornament each year that symbolized our personality or accomplishments for the year. I continued the tradition once I started my own home, so I have an ornament that represents each of my 30 years.

Are you hosting any holiday parties in your home?  If so, what does that look like for you?

I don’t have any holiday parties scheduled (aside from my immediate family on Christmas). I enjoy hosting, so I wouldn’t be surprised if some impromptu parties happened.

What does “home for the holidays” mean to you?

Being home for the holidays is very important to me. I appreciate and savor every Christmas that I have at home, because there are many Christmases that I have not spent at home due to work. The best way I can describe it is like breathing a deep sigh of contentment. You’re home, in your space, where you can be comfortable and know you’re safe and loved.

Are you planning on participating in any holiday event or activity in the greater community you’re now in?  If so, which ones?

I enjoy attending Hudsonville’s annual holiday parade and craft show. This is a family tradition that I have attended whenever my work schedule allows. This year, they’re changing the date and time to include a Christmas tree lighting. Community craft shows throughout the holiday season are always a favorite. My mom and I enjoy the shopping, and an added bonus is supporting small businesses and the school that hosts it.

Brianna lives in a Lois Townhome in beautiful Lowing Wood. With walking trails weaving through five acres of natural woods and wetlands, Lowing Woods is ideal for taking casual strolls with the whole family to appreciate Michigan’s natural beauty. With community amenities, like an in-ground pool and outdoor grilling area, and proximity to River Crossings Mall, there’s a little bit of everything in this cozy Jenison community.

Ready to make your own holiday memories in a brand new home? Whether you’re looking for a move-in ready home or want to build your own, Eastbrook Homes is ready to help you plant roots in one of our many beautiful Eastbrook communities. Browse our feature gallery or visit one of our model homes to start your home-building journey, and connect with us when you’re ready to take the next step in finding your dream home!