December is here and with it came calm coves, smokey hills in the cold morning air, and a lake that seems to take a deep breath after another full year of sunrises, boat wakes, and summer laughter.
Here at Lost on the Lake, we love this time of yearnot because it’s busy, but because it isn’t.
December invites us to slow down. To notice the cedar branches heavy with dew, the mist curling over the water, the faint hum of a distant outboard from an angler chasing the winter bite. It’s when the lake reminds us that beauty doesn’t always sparkle loudly; sometimes it whispers.
In this issue, we celebrate the traditions that make the Ozarks feel like home during the holidays. From old-fashioned Christmas customs and cedar-scented memories to bass fishing in crisp winter air, we explore the simple joys that this season brings to our lakeside communities. We spotlight the makers, the storytellers, the families, and the quiet moments that define December at Table Rock.
As the year winds down, I hope you find time to let the lake slow your pace and steady your spirit. Whether you’re cozying up in a cabin or watching the fog lift off the water at sunrise—you’re part of this story too.
Thank you for being here with us~ Be Happy ,
Myra Thornton
Winteron the
Winter the Lake
CREATIVE EDITOR
Myra Thornton
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
The Rogue Chef Justin Mayfield
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
The Rogue Chef Justin Mayfield
ADVERTISING
Myra Thornton
Publisher Myra Thornton
www.lostonthelake.us
email: hello@lostonthelake.us Phone: 417-593-1167
Explore Up Close!
ing Back
Deep Water Giants
Bass Fishing in December on Table Rock Lake
Understanding the Winter Pattern
December on Table Rock Lake doesn’t look like prime bass-fishing season to the casual observer. The hills wear their muted winter palette, the marinas settle into a slower rhythm, and the lake’s surface often lies still beneath a soft morning fog. But ask any seasoned angler, and they’ll tell you the truth:
Winter on Table Rock is one of the most underrated bass-fishing windows of the entire year.
With lighter boat traffic, clearer water, and bass settling into predictable cold-water patterns, December can deliver trophy-worthy catches—if you know where to look and what to throw.
As the water cools into the mid40s and low-50s, Table Rock’s bass migrate into deeper structure, forming tight winter groups around:
Bluff ends
Steep transition banks
Suspended timber
Main-lake points
Rock ledges
Shad schools in 40–70 feet of water
This shift means winter fishing becomes a game of patience, precision, and electronics—but once you find them, the action can be steady all day.
cont on page 10
What They’re Eating (and Why)
Shad is the prime forage in December. When the temperature drops, shad schools tighten and often suspend over deep water. The bass follow, sometimes hugging the bottom, sometimes hanging mid-column.
That’s why December often means a mix of vertical fishing, slow presentations, and realistic bait profiles.
Go-To December Baits on Table Rock Lake
1. The Ice Jig (Dammer, Ice Blade, or Jigging Spoon)
A winter classic. Dropped vertically on deep fish, this lure triggers reaction strikes when bass are lethargic. Deadly when shad are stacked thick on your sonar.
2. The Alabama Rig
Few lures mimic a winter shad school better. Throw it on mainlake points or across suspended fish, counting it down to the right depth.
3. The Finesse Swimbait
On a ¼–½ oz head, it’s perfect for slow-rolling along rock transitions and bluff ends.
4. The Ned Rig
Cold water + Table Rock smallmouth = Ned rig magic. Drag it painfully slow.
Suspending jerkbaits shine in December - especially on clear-water days with a little breeze.
6. Glide Baits
Known for producing a sweeping S-shaped motion that opportunistic bass can’t resist inspecting. Where December Bass Like to Hide
While the entire lake can produce, a few regions are consistent winter standouts:
• Kimberling City Region
A perfect blend of deep structure and clear water, ideal for jerkbaits and A-rigs.
• James River Arm
Dirtier water and more wood cover make it a hotspot for winter largemouth.
• White River Arm
Steep bluffs and deep coves hold large groups of smallmouth in December.
• Indian Point & Mid-Lake
A consistent zone for A-rig and cont on page 12
drop-shot anglers tracking shad schools.
The Beauty of the December Bite
Winter fishing on Table Rock is quiet. Peaceful. Steady.
There’s a calm that sets in around the coves—no jet skis, barely any wakes, just the sound of an occasional gull and the soft ping of your line icing at the guides. The lake feels bigger somehow, and the bites feel earned.
But those winter bites? They’re different. Sharp. Sudden. Solid.
It’s the kind of fishing that keeps diehards on the water well after the frost settles on the deck.
What to Bring (and What to Expect)
Gear:
7-7.5’ medium to medium-heavy rods
Fluorocarbon for finesse (8–12 lb)
20–25 lb braid or fluoro for A-rigs
Quality electronics for locating deep schools
Clothing:
Layer up. Conditions shift fast.
A good rule: dress like it’s 10 degrees colder on the water.
Weather Patterns:
Overcast days = jerkbait & swimbait action
Sunny, still days = deep vertical fishing
Windy days = A-rig magic
Seasonal Safety Matters
Cold-water fishing demands extra caution. Always bring:
A charged phone
Dry clothes
PFD (worn, not stored)
Emergency heater or blanket
A buddy, if possible
December is rewarding, but the lake deserves respect.
Why December Matters
For locals, December isn’t an off-season—it’s a tradition. Generations of Ozarks anglers have learned that the coldest mornings often bring the warmest memories: big winter smallmouth, surprise deep-water largemouth, and the satisfaction of cracking a tough pattern when the lake feels like it’s asleep.
And when the sun sets early over
Table Rock’s winter ridges, casting gold across quiet coves, it’s easy to see why so many anglers return year after year.
Because winter on Table Rock Lake isn’t just fishing. It’s a season of discovery—one bite at a time.
Table Rock Christmas
Rooted in Ozark
Christmas
Ozark Charm
“A Table Rock Christmas isn’t just celebrated — it’s kept, year after year.”
Christmas Traditions at Table Rock Lake
As winter settles over the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake transforms into one of Missouri’s most magical holiday escapes. The crisp air carries the scent of cedar, cabins glow with twinkle lights, and familiar traditions return to families who gather here year after year. Christmas at Table Rock isn’t just a season—it’s a feeling, a memory, and a tradition all its own.
Decking the Cabins: The LakeFront Glow
Many families who make the annual holiday pilgrimage to Table Rock Lake begin their celebration the moment they arrive. Fireplaces crackle and warm cocoa simmers on stovetops. For many visitors, the first night is reserved for what locals call the “Table Rock Tree Lighting,” a simple but cherished tradition of gathering everyone together to light up the Christmas tree while sharing stories from the year.
A Lakeside Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve at Table Rock Lake brings its own rhythm. Anglers often sneak in one last cold-weather fishing trip - some swear the bass bite best right before the holiday - while families take hikes along the quiet winter trails at Dewey Short, Dogwood Canyon, or Lakeshore Trail.
As evening falls, the lake’s small communities come alive with candlelight services, caroling,
and festive gatherings. Many families hold their own lakeside rituals: warming chili on the deck, a backyard campfire, or simply bundling up to watch the stars shimmer above the dark water. Whether you’re local or visiting, the stillness of a Table Rock Christmas Eve has a way of slowing life to its sweetest pace.
Christmas Morning at the Lake
There’s something unmistakably special about Christmas morning on the water. Gifts are opened to the backdrop of geese gliding across the cove and the soft glow of sunrise breaking over the ridges. For kids, Santa has often “traveled by pontoon,” leaving toys tucked beneath the tree.
Breakfast traditions vary - castiron cinnamon rolls, biscuits and gravy, or a hearty Ozarks breakfast casserole - but they all share one thing: time around the table with the people who matter most.
Silver Dollar City: A Tradition of Lights
No Table Rock holiday season is complete without a nod to one of the area’s most iconic Christmas traditions - Silver Dollar City’s “An Old Time Christmas Festival”. Families often plan their lake trip around it, returning each year to walk through millions of lights, sip wassail, and marvel at the towering animated Christmas tree.
It’s a tradition that blends perfectly with the cozy quiet of the lake, offering a burst of wonder that remains a core memory long af-
ter the decorations come down.
Carrying the Magic Forward
Whether your Table Rock Lake Christmas is spent in a cabin tucked among the pines, a lakeside resort with family activities, or your own home on the shoreline, the traditions forged here become part of your story. And every year, as the lake settles into winter and the lights twinkle against the water, families can feel it—the unmistakable magic of a Table Rock Lake Christmas.
A place. A season. A tradition worth returning to, year after year.
Holiday Must-Haves
• Local cedar wreaths – Amish Country Store
• Handmade ornaments –Branson Craft Mall
• Christmas pastries – Sugar Leaf Bakery
• Cozy cabin cocoa mix –Ozark Mountain Coffee Company
• Grand Village Shops – handcrafted ornaments & collectibles
Ever dream of sleeping in a life-sized snow globe? This winter I got the chance to live out this dream! Over Thanksgiving break I was fortunate enough to visit this life sized “Snow Globe” at Campfire Hollow - Air Bnb in Eagle Rock, MO.
Nestled in the woods, sits a geo-dome structure featuring a hot tub, firepit, corn hole, games and twinkling lights. I really enjoyed the hot chocolate bar. With a full bath house and laundry, you won’t need much more!
Justin Mayfield shares the story of how he created this unique lake rental.
Creating Campfire Hollow
It started with a patch of land on Table Rock Lake—remote, wild, and listed for sale near Roaring River State Park. Curiosity pulled me there one afternoon. What I found was a wall of briars and weeds twice my height, a tangle so thick and impenetrable I couldn’t even glimpse what lay beyond. I nearly drove away. But something about cont on page 20
the place held me.
With no clear path, I dropped into the shallow creek bed that cut through the property and followed it like a tunnel through the wilderness. When the creek opened into a hollow, I stopped in my tracks. Sunlight filtered through the canopy. The land unfolded into a quiet, sheltered bowl. The beauty that had been hidden behind the overgrowth was undeniable. In that moment, I knew: this was it.
Once the land became mine, the real adventure began. I called my friend Matt, a seasoned builder, and asked if he’d help me create something different—a geodesic dome tucked into this natural sanctuary. In November 2021, we arrived with pre-measured boards and high hopes. The terrain had other plans. A rock shelf blocked vehicle access, and the only way to the dome site was on foot. So piece by piece, board by board, we carried every bit of lumber down the rugged slope by hand. Over a handful of cold weekends, the platform rose from the forest floor.
By January 2022, my dad, Lance, my brother-in-law, Ethan, and Matt joined forces to raise the dome itself. Building the frame was a full day of good humor, problem-solving, and the occasional test of patience. The vinyl cover—more than 300 pounds of
heavy, unwieldy material—had to be thrown over an 11-foot frame. The plan looked great on paper; in the air, it unraveled quickly. But through sheer determination and a lot of laughter, we managed to pull it into place without a single injury or mishap.
Over the next several months, I carved trails, cleared brush, and slowly shaped the land into something welcoming. By September 2022, after the well and septic were finally completed, I could move on to the wash house. What began as a simple pre-fabricated shed grew, piece by piece, into a fully finished bathhouse by March 2023.
What started as an overgrown piece of forgotten land became a retreat—one built by hand, by friends and family, and by a stubborn belief that something beautiful was waiting to be uncovered. View Here: Campfire Hollow
Old-Fashioned Holidays in the Ozarks
Old-Fashioned the Ozarks
A Season of Simplicity, Storytelling & Mountain Warmth
There’s a special kind of hush that settles over the Ozark Mountains in December. The cedars deepen into winter green, the hollows gather quiet mist, and the hills seem to breathe a little slower. While the world chases hurried holidays filled with deadlines and blinking lights, the Ozarks keep something older - something softer.
Here in these hills, Christmas is more than a date on the calendar. It’s a patchwork of traditions passed down through families who have lived, worked, and celebrated on this rugged landscape for generations.
The Cedar Christmas Tree: A Tradition Rooted in the Hills
Long before store-bought artificial evergreens, Ozark families bundled up and walked into the woods searching for the perfect cedar tree. Its spicy scent, prickly needles, and wild shape filled one-room homes with unmistakable nostalgia.
Decorations were simple, handmade, and meaningful - popcorn garlands, Sears catalog paper chains, tin stars cut from coffee cans. The trees weren’t
perfect, but they were honest.
Homegrown Feasts & Hand-Me-Down Recipes
Holiday meals drew from the land and the pantry. Sorghum-sweetened molasses cookies, spiced apple butter, skillet cornbread dressing, and fruit pies fried golden in cast iron. Every dish echoed the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Ozark families who made magic with what they had.
Story Nights Around the Fireplace
Before television, before internet, before a thousand blinking lights—families gathered around fireplaces glowing orange in the drafty cabin dark. Fiddle tunes wound through the rafters, grandparents told tales of earlier winters, and kids listened as snow tapped softly against log walls.
It was togetherness in its purest form.
Handmade Gifts That Lasted a Lifetime
The Ozarks have always been home to makers. Whittled toys, wool mittens, quilts, baskets, carved spoons—gifts weren’t store-bought; they were hand-crafted from skill, patience, and care. Many were practical, but all were given from the heart.
Candlelight, Church Bells & Country Roads
On Christmas Eve, families bundled up inside wagons or old trucks, traveling winding backroads to small country churches lit only by candles and kerosene lamps. Simple hymns filled the room, warm and imperfect, lifting through pine rafters into the cold winter night.
Fresh Recipe
The Rogue Chef
Tacos Al Pastor
Time: 1 Hour
(plus 4 hours marinating)
Servings: 8-10 servings
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
● 8 Dried Guajillo Chiles
● 6 Dried Ancho Chiles
● 1 T Vegetable Oil
● 1 Large White Onion, diced
● 4 Cloves Garlic, chopped
● 2 C Pineapple Juice
● 1⁄2 C Orange Juice
● 1⁄2 C Mexican Beer (such as Tecate)
● 1⁄2 C Distilled White Vinegar
● 1 T Ground Annatto or Paprika
● 1 T Brown Sugar
● 1 tsp Ground Cumin
● 1⁄2 tsp Ground Cloves
● Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
For the Tacos:
● 6 lbs Boneless Pork Shoulder, cut into 2-inch-thick slabs
● Corn Tortillas, warmed
● Pineapple Salsa (or fresh pineapple chunks)
● Crumbled Cotija Cheese
● Crushed Chicharrónes (optional, for crunch)
● Fresh Cilantro and Sliced Radishes, for topping
● Lime Wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Soak the dried chiles in warm water until softened, about 15 minutes.
2. Remove stems and seeds.
3. Sauté onion and garlic in vegetable oil over medium heat until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Blend chiles, onion, garlic, pineapple juice, orange juice, beer, vinegar, annatto, brown sugar, cumin, cloves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth.
5. Marinate pork slabs in the chile mixture in a large bowl or resealable bag.
6. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
7. Roast the marinated pork at 350°F for 21⁄2–3 hours until tender.
8. Let rest 10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
9. Assemble the tacos: layer pork on tortillas, top with pineapple salsa, cotija, cilantro, radishes, and chicharrónes if using.
10. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Go Rogue by swapping the pineapple for grilled mango and drizzle with a smoky-honey glaze.
Want Chef Jeff to make this delicious dish for you? Contact him at www.TheRogueChef.com.
The Cedar Tree on Grandpa’s Hill
I still remember the way Grandpa would stand on the porch, hands on his hips, surveying the slope behind the old farmhouse. “That one,” he’d say, pointing with a gloved hand toward a cedar barely taller than me. “That’s this year’s tree.”
We never questioned his choice. The tree was always lopsided. Always too sparse on one side. Always full of personality.
Grandpa would take the handsaw he’d carried for decades—its wooden handle worn as smooth as river stone—and guide me through the first few pulls. The cedar released that sharp, sweet scent when it fell, a smell that meant Christmas had officially begun.
Back inside, Grandma would already be popping corn over the woodstove. She’d hand us a needle and long thread so we could start stringing garlands while she worked dough into tiny ornaments shaped
like stars. In the corner, a radio hummed with old hymns, the kind she knew by heart.
That cedar tree never looked like the ones in glossy catalogs or store windows. It leaned a little. Its branches waved every time someone walked by. It couldn’t hold heavy ornaments, so we hung only what it could carry—paper, popcorn, and a few tin cutouts Grandpa hammered into shape out in the barn.
But when the fire was crackling and the room glowed warm against the cold Ozark night, that tree looked perfect. Not because it was fancy, but because it was ours— cut from our land, decorated by our hands, and circled by the people who made every Christmas feel complete.
Even now, when I catch the smell of cedar on a winter walk, it takes me back to that hill, that porch, and that humble little tree that taught me what the holidays are really about.
The Spirit That Stayed
Old-fashioned Ozark Christmas traditions weren’t about extravagance. They were about warmth, resourcefulness, family, and the deep-rooted sense of belonging that only mountain communities hold.
In homes across the Ozarks today, pieces of those traditions remain - cedar sprigs on mantels, handmade ornaments, jars of sorghum, quilts warmed by woodstove heat. The old ways haven’t vanished. They’ve simply settled in, becoming part of the landscape itself.
Because in the Ozarks, Christmas isn’t something you just celebrate. It’s something you carry forward.
Financial Focus
AI IN PERSONAL FINANCE: THE PROMISE AND THE LIMITS
Your smartphone buzzes with an alert: Your budgeting app has spotted an unusual spending pattern and suggests transferring $50 from your savings account to your checking account. Later that day, a robo-advisor automatically rebalances your investment portfolio. Welcome to the age of artificial intelligence (AI) in personal finance, where technology is reshaping how we manage money.
What AI can do for your wallet. From tracking every latte to forecasting next month’s bills, AI-powered tools are making financial management more accessible than ever. Some apps categorize transactions automatically, while other platforms offer conversational financial advice through text messages. These tools can monitor your credit score, suggest budget adjustments and even negotiate lower bills on services like cable and internet.
The investing landscape has transformed as well. Robo-advisors use algorithms to build diversified portfolios, automatically rebalance holdings and apply strategies to minimize tax bills. Educational tools powered by AI can explain complex concepts through interactive games and simple question-and-answer formats, making financial literacy more accessible.
Where AI falls short.
Here’s what the algorithms can’t
do: understand what truly matters to you.
AI doesn’t know whether you value sustainable investing over maximum returns. It can’t weigh the emotional complexity of saving for a child’s education versus retiring early. When sudden illness strikes or a job change upends your plans, AI lacks the context and empathy to guide you through those human moments.
Technology can crunch numbers brilliantly, but it can’t offer wisdom. It can’t replace human judgment, experience or ethical reasoning. Robo-advisors’ predetermined algorithms may not suit investors with complex financial needs like estate planning or comprehensive tax planning.
The human touch still matters. This is where human financial advisors remain indispensable. They provide what technology can’t:
Long-term perspective: Help you maintain focus when markets get volatile and emotions run high
Goal coordination: Balance competing priorities, help partners merge their financial visions and remind you of goals you’ve tucked away and didn’t know still mattered
Accountability: Keep you on track with your financial strategy through
life’s inevitable changes
Emotional support: Offer reassurance and wisdom during major financial decisions
Research validates it: Those who regularly work with a financial advisor and have a financial strategy are more likely to feel optimistic about their financial future than those who manage finances on their own, according to 2025 research from Edward Jones and Morning Consult.
Find the right balance. The future likely lies in a hybrid approach: combining data-driven AI insights with the human wisdom of a financial advisor who understands your values, priorities and life’s inevitable curveballs. Think of AI as a powerful calculator and your financial advisor as the mathematician who knows which equations to use.
As these technologies evolve, the key is treating AI as a tool, not a guide.
Stay curious about what technology can do for your finances. Stay critical of its limitations. And remember: What matters most in your financial life is something only you can define.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Edward Jones, Member SIPC
Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.
Edward Jones, Member SIPC Presentedbyourlocal Edward Jones Financial Advisor: GrantBeasley 417-739-5575
From Stress To Savor
Why Families in the Ozarks Are Hiring Private Chefs for the Holidays
By: The Rogue Chef - Jeff Woodward
The holidays in the Ozarks are all about warmth, family, and comfort — but more and more families are discovering that the best way to enjoy that togetherness is by letting someone else handle the cooking. Across the Ozarks, hiring a Private Chef has quietly cont page 36
become a new Christmas tradition — one that trades kitchen chaos and stress for connection and simple joy.
A Feast Without the Frenzy
Between gift shopping, travel, and decorating, the last thing anyone wants to do is spend two days in the kitchen. By hiring a private chef, you can enjoy a fully customized holiday feast without ever lifting a spoon. The Rogue Chef — based in Branson, Missouri — has made it their mission to help families reclaim the spirit of the holidays by turning mealtime into a moment worth savoring.
From elegant plated dinners to hearty family-style spreads, The Rogue Chef’s Christmas menus celebrate classic flavors with bold, creative twists. The result? A meal that feels both festive and effortless — the kind of experience guests talk about long after the last slice of pie is gone.
A Taste of the Ozarks, Elevated
Many Private Chefs highlight local ingredients and regional favorites in a way that feels upscale yet familiar. Think herb-butter roasted turkey, bourbon-glazed ham, or sweet potato bake with cinnamon honey butter — the kind of dishes that nod to the Ozarks’ roots while reflecting the creativity of
a fine-dining experience.
Hiring a private chef means you can tailor the menu to your family’s traditions — or start a new one entirely. Vegetarian sides, decadent desserts, signature cocktails, and custom-crafted holiday dishes make each event one-of-a-kind.
Time for What Matters
The most priceless part of a private chef experience isn’t just the food — it’s the freedom. No prepping, no cleanup, no stress. You get to sit down, relax, and actually be present for the laughter, the stories, and the memories that make Christmas in the Ozarks so special.
For families who have tried it once, it quickly becomes an annual ritual — one that redefines what “home for the holidays” truly means.
Make This the Year You Go Rogue
Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner for two or a festive gathering for twelve, The Rogue Chef brings flavor, creativity, and heart to your holiday table.
Visit www.TheRogueChef.com to explore menus, reserve your Christmas experience, and see why hiring a private chef is becoming the Ozarks’ most delicious new holiday tradition.
