Following are a few of the favorite family traditions of the Lake Williamson staff as part of Midwest Christian Retreats.  We're praying blessings to you for a safe and wonderful holiday season!

Christmas dinner can take many forms and be served at different times depending on the traditions and availability of families to gather.  Following are some great ideas for your family gatherings ranging from simple casual to elegant.  It is our greatest desire that your family be drawn together in a circle of love everyday and especially at Christmas.  Enjoy!

Are you looking for ways to help create some new holiday memories? The kind of activities that your children and grandchildren will speak of for years to come? Take a look at these tips for creative approaches to bridge and organize the days. It is our wish at Midwest Christian Retreats that this will be the best, Christ-centered Christmas your family has ever known. May your stress be less and the days merry!

Looking for ways to keep the kids busy this Thanksgiving or Christmas between meals?

You may want to explore the Family Reunion website³ or find craft, game and story ideas at Christmas Ideas for Kids - Christmas Family Fun and Traditions at the AmazingMoms website¹. 

One year my family made small, decorated Christmas trees and ornaments...

"T for time to be together
Turkey, talk and tangy weather.
H for harvest stored away Home,
and hearth and holiday.
A for autumn’s frosty art, A
nd abundance in the heart.
N for neighbors and November,
Nice things, new things to remember.
K for kitchen, kettle’s croon.
Kith and kin expected soon.
S for sizzles, sights and sounds,
And something special that abounds.
That spells THANKS – for joy in living
And a jolly good Thanksgiving!”¹

What do you do with a house full of people during the Thanksgiving Day afternoon rest? You know, that time between the big turkey lunch and leftover sandwiches for those who don’t want to nap or watch football. We’ve put together some resources for ideas to engage your extended family and friends. It is our hope these might help you deepen relationships and open dialogs as you “renew, restore and reconnect” at your holiday gatherings.