The evening sky resembles periwinkle velvet as the silhouettes of a barn and silo, outlined in tiny white lights, appear. A beribboned, billboard-size sign aglow with lights welcomes you to "Christmas in the Country" at Grand Geneva Resorts just east of the town of Lake Geneva (about 50 miles southwest of Milwaukee).

Thousands of tiny white bulbs decorate the sprawling resort's low-slung Prairie-style architecture. Inside, decorated trees catch your eye everywhere. A Nutcracker as tall as a giraffe guards a pile of gifts. Music from carolers, a brass ensemble or a bell choir floats through the air.

Everyone is invited to share in the holiday cheer, whether or not you're a registered guest. There's no charge to drive through the 1,300-acre grounds.

If snow conditions permit, you can ski or snowboard The Mountain Top, a 12-run slope. The Well Spa pampers visitors with facials, massages and other treatments. At the Sports Center you can swim in the indoor pool, hire a personal trainer or take tennis lessons. Holiday gifts abound in specialty shops. Kids Are Grand, a licensed child-care center provides a watchful eye and activities for kids.

For dinner, the resort's three restaurants range from coffee-shop friendly to gourmet fancy. Afterwards, sip hot cider by the fire as you share conversation and other homey pleasures of Christmas in the country.

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