Our family tradition is to get away together for an early CHRISTMAS. My children and theirs like being under 1 roof, waking up to enjoy a lazy pajama breakfast and exchanging our gifts after a day of sightseeing, playing games, snacking, reminiscing about past excursions, and just enjoying FAMILY. (My Parents started doing this in 1977 when my son was 5 months old; we reinstated the tradition at his request, so the new generation would be able to have similar memories!) We are from Mississippi, and have 'camped' at State Parks there and in Louisiana, but last January when our set weekend date had been claimed for our target destination, I set out to find something to meet my 1 roof criteria and discovered JULIA'S LAKE HOUSE. Just a little over an hour's drive from home...so I booked it in January. Upon arrival, we were impressed with the ease of 'checking in'...and that although we were there to be 'together', the unique layout provided privacy as needed, and very spacious common area had plenty of seating for all to be comfortable and enjoy. Since I've been holding 'Christmas Camp' for years, I've landed in some sparsely furnished venues...some with one or two small pots to cook in...kitchens with only a few square feet of counter space...rationed towels and not enough bed linens / pillows....you name it! So I load up two vehicles....one with gifts, another with everything from my house except the kitchen sink. OH MY GOODNESS. Julia has not only everything you'd ever need....but MULTIPLES of them. All I should have brought was FOOD and gifts! We were 6 adults, 9-& 8-yr olds, yet still room for more guests. It WAS raining and we stayed indoors, we enjoyed the view & dreaming about what we 'could have done' outdoors on those beautiful porches and decks...and can see a return trip other than December. (Husband and I will ride together and leave the 'general store' at home! ) This location feels like you are actually at a friend's home....no, it's not brand new construction and bare-bones Holiday Inn sterile cookie cutter quarters...but has comfortable 'homey' touches, CURRENT magazines, cozy eclectic décor (even on the porches), a desk with computer & internet waiting for you to keep in touch with the world, and a notebook of FAQs. Trust these Photos on VRBO. It's THE BEST! Light sleepers: pack earplugs for some Hwy noise...but way better than miles down a winding road out in the woods! [ELF on the LAKE is not in charge of RAIN or HIGHWAY]