This is more than a fundraiser. It is a shared act of care for a place that has shaped so many lives.

Christmas at Kanuga became part of my life when my father died and my mother did not want to stay at home for Christmas. Having worked at Kanuga as a staff member for a year and several summers, my daughter (Alicia/Big Fun) suggested we go to Christmas at Kanuga. It was a wonderful time and place which gave birth to our Christmas family.

Christmas at Kanuga provides a chaplain and worship services and activities like cookie decorating, gingerbread house making, arts and crafts, high tea and Bingo. You can participate in the programming or you can use Kanuga as a home base to enjoy the many opportunities in western North Carolina. They serve three meals a day which I love because I don't have to cook. There are hotel accommodations or you can stay in cottages, which come with their own Christmas trees for you to decorate.

Many families gather from cities/states across the US and beyond. It is a place for families and friends to meet up and share the holiday unencumbered by having to clean house, prepare food, clean up the mess and plan activities. There is plenty of room to accommodate everyone.

Kanuga gave us the gift of a Christmas family along with a new set of traditions. For over 25 years my daughter and I have celebrated Christmas at Kanuga together with our Christmas Family. We have seen others gather to celebrate Christmas with theirs and have welcomed many new faces to the Kanuga Christmas Family.

Together, we can sustain this place of beauty, belonging, and transformation.