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Families around the world are getting ready for the festive season. If you have a lake house, it could serve as a wonderful Christmas retreat for you, your friends, and your dear ones. No matter if your family observes Christmas, Hanukkah, or another holiday, here are some suggestions to assist you in preparing for an enjoyable and laid-back holiday at your lake home.
Getting Started
Getting ready for overnight guests for the holidays? Whether snuggling by the fireplace or organizing sleeping spaces, hosting visitors at a lakeside retreat involves special details. Considerate planning and attention to detail, such as providing directions in advance and ensuring there are plenty of spare blankets, will help ensure everyone is greeted warmly and ready to embrace the holiday cheer.
Invites and Directions
Ensure you give guests a heads-up in plenty of time. Utilizing a group email or online invite can assist with this. Keep a record of who will be staying overnight and their arrival times. When hosting overnight visitors, arrange sleeping accommodations in advance. For instance, older family members might not prefer going upstairs to sleep, whereas children can usually share rooms. Finally, make sure to provide directions in advance to any newcomers. Lake properties are often located in isolated, rural areas with poor cell phone reception or GPS signal.
Keep Cozy and Warm
The weather is quite chilly out there! Many tend to underestimate the coolness of a lake during the autumn and winter seasons. Bringing along additional blankets, coats, and hoodies can ensure everyone remains warm and snug. A toasty fireplace can certainly put anyone in a festive mood. Make sure to clear any debris from wood-burning fireplaces, and don’t forget to open the damper before lighting it up.
Meal Planning
Welcoming family and friends over the holidays means one thing: plenty of food! Whether you’re taking charge of all the dishes or organizing a potluck, meticulous planning is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable gathering. From figuring out how to transport that Christmas turkey to making sure your pantry has all the snacks and breakfast essentials covered, taking some time to plan ahead can ensure that your get-togethers are both mouthwatering and effortless.
Location and Logistics
Organizing the menu for a family gathering is a significant expense. To reduce stress and save time, it is essential to plan ahead and communicate with family members. When considering transportation of food items to a lake home or ensuring access to nearby grocery stores, proper planning is crucial. Be mindful of store hours during holidays like Christmas Eve when closures or early closures occur. When transporting perishable items like raw meat over extended periods, such as a Christmas turkey, always have a cooler to maintain food safety measures.
Consider Other Meals
While the main dinner is crucial, don’t forget to prepare for your other meals as well! Don’t overlook breakfast items, coffee, snacks, and other must-haves. Investing in Tupperware or similar storage containers is wise, especially when catering to a big family. If the idea of cooking an elaborate meal doesn’t appeal to you, think about getting a turkey or ham from a local market or grocery store. By placing an order ahead of time, you can pick these up on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Plan for Unexpected Gifts
If you’re considering exchanging Christmas gifts, make sure everyone knows ahead of time! Keep in mind that some younger families, particularly those with children, might not have the means to purchase gifts for everyone during a big get-together. Nowadays, many families opt out of gift exchanges altogether or decide to only exchange gifts among the kids or grandkids. Alternatively, some simplify gift-giving by using the traditional “Secret Santa” approach. This allows everyone to focus on what really matters – cherishing quality time with loved ones.
If you decide to exchange gifts, ensure there is enough storage space for all the presents! If a Christmas tree is not available, placing them near the fireplace but away from the flames can suffice. Alternatively, create a pile of gifts on the dining room table! For last-minute emergencies, it’s always helpful to have wrapping paper and tape ready to go. Plus, after the kids have gone to bed, last-minute gift wrapping over a bottle of wine is a great way to close out Christmas Eve.
After the Festivities
The awaited moment has finally arrived, with dinner served and the gifts all opened. What’s on the agenda now besides letting the food settle? If you’re seeking entertainment options, chances are numerous activities are available near your lake house! While swimming may be out of the question due to the cold weather, there are still local community attractions to explore. Be sure to check out the community calendar for upcoming Christmas parades, plays, and other family-friendly events.
If it’s not too chilly outside, a leisurely stroll around the lake presents a wonderful opportunity to appreciate nature’s beauty. Or perhaps a friendly game of touch football could be a fun option?
Playing board games, browsing through family photo albums, and enjoying the classic film “It’s A Wonderful Life” are also cherished traditions. Alternatively, watching a winter sunset over the lake while sipping on a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate is truly unbeatable.
Whether you’re organizing a grand family reunion or an intimate escape for two, we extend our wishes for a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year. Don’t forget to explore our Hosting for the Holidays guide for additional tips this festive season.