It's not every day people are encouraged to explore a strangers' home, but the Joint Base Lewis-McChord community is being invited to do just that in a unique, welcoming experience.

The Lewis Community Spouse's Club is excited to bring back the Holiday Tour of Homes and hopes it will become a time-honored tradition at JBLM. At least 12 different historic properties in the Broadmoor housing area will be featured on each of the afternoon and evening tours.

The tour is a self-guided, walking tour, so there won't be anyone rushing guests as they stroll from home-to-home. The tour begins at the LCSC Cottage, with a variety of vendors on site for guests' shopping convenience.

JBLM LCSC second vice president and co-chair of the event, Debra Vernon, said the tour offers a unique opportunity for residents to showcase their homes during the holiday season while putting guests in the holiday spirit.

"It also gives people an idea of how others live and is a good way to get new ideas for decorating your own home," Vernon said.

Guests will receive wristbands showing they are authorized to be on the tour, along with a map highlighting the locations of homes on the tour. Each home will also be marked to help eliminate any confusion over which homes are included. Participants are permitted to drive, but encouraged to walk.

All of the homes in Broadmoor are considered historical and have undergone minimal renovations to preserve the nation's history. Many residents have spent several years in the military and display their own collectibles from across the world.

"It's very nice when you go into these homes and see the things they showcase that they got from another duty station or an ancestor," Vernon said. "People are interested in that kind of stuff, and you will see that on this tour."

There will be two tours: one during the day and one in the evening.

"We want people to be able to showcase the outside beauty - as far as the Christmas decorations and the lighting - as well as inside their homes," Vernon said.

LCSC fundraising chairperson and co-chair for the event, Anne Tucker, went on the tour several years ago and said she is thrilled the club decided to bring it back.

"We had a good, festive time," Tucker said.

"It's a great way to get into the holiday spirit, and it's another view into the historical aspect of the installation." Proceeds from the event will be put into the LCSC welfare account, which is used to provide scholarships for military Family members and will help other organizations within the community.

IF YOU GO

What: Holiday Tour of Homes

When: Dec. 3, 4 to 6pm.; Dec. 4, 1 to 5 p.m.

Where: The Lewis Community Spouses' Club Cottage is located on the corner of Lewis Drive, West Way and Pendleton Avenue in Building 4201.

Cost: $12 or $10 in advance

To learn more: (360) 960-8293.