Happy Birthday Christmas

Welcome to Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, Frankenmuth -Michigan (USA)

Wally Bronner decided he wanted to keep the Christ in the holiday and so that is how it is spelled everywhere in the store.

Interesting title for a post, huh? Today's my birthday - another year older. I've decided maybe those years better start rolling backwards. Why not? No good reason I can think of. Mallory gave me a call today to wish me a happy one and she reminded me to take a look at Facebook. I had left early this morning for Bronner's and rushed out the door. What a joy to return to all of the greetings. It made me blush like a school girl. You guys are great.

The trip for today was to one of my favorite places. I know I misquoted it's size to Mallory but I was close. Bronner's lies on 27 acres of land. It's CHRISTMAS wonderland, 361 days a year (Hey, not on the holiday!). And, the buildings occupy over 7 acres. Some of the trivia is interesting too. For example:

1. The electrical bill on average is $900.00 per day.
2. The parking lot will accommodate 1,250 cars and 50 buses.
3. There are 100,000 lights on the 1/2 mile Christmas Lane that are lit every evening.
4. Need a nativity scene? They have over 500 styles.
5. There are over 350 decorated Christmas trees.
6. Can't live without animation? There are over 700 animated figures available.
7. My suggestion - don't shop on the weekend after Thanksgiving. Over 50,000 people visit on that weekend alone.
8. Are you a Hummel or Precious Moments fanatic? Bronner's collections number over 1000 of each.

I could go on with this but I need to stop. It's very "Old Crow" of me but I love Christmas bling. Twinkle lights - all the color!

I know my photos are NOT going to do Bronner's any justice but I tried. If you want a personalized ornament for family or friends you can get one on just about any topic. They will customize it right there for you.

Are you into birds, fishing, snowflakes, snowmen, music, ad infinitum, they have at least fifty styles and probably fifty variations on the theme. Ornaments are categorized by type, color, country of origin, country of representation (for example, if you need something to represent that awe inspiring vacation in Australia - they have everything from Ayers Rock to a Kangaroo). An ornament might be as near as I will ever get. English, Scottish, Russian, Indian, African, and so on. They are all represented nicely in the "Ornaments of the World" section.

Need a baby tree or ornament for the grand babies? There is a wall of them. I think you can see them behind the the engagement tree photo (which is next to all of the "Our First Christmas" themed things. How do you like that Christmas brides' dress? Don't forget the fur babies either! They've ornaments of every breed and kind...and can personalize those too.

As you can see, I had quite the twinkly day. I saw trees in every color and bought some lights shaped like colorful spiders for my Nightmare Before Christmas tree. I think my eyes are about to pop out from all of the eye candy. It's time for hot tea and winding down. I sincerely doubt that's possible - I'm designing that silly tree in my head.

If you'd like to check out Bronner's yourself they are online and have catalogs. Oh cripes - more facts - they send out 3 million of them a year!