That Spirit Of Christmas (A Christmas Photo Essay)

Author:
LaZeric Freeman
Updated date:
Dec 21, 2020

I'm just a man ... standing in front of the world ... asking them to love my writing.

Being that I'd taken a a couple days away from my job at a Special Needs school, the smile was authentic, the mood light as my wife and I embarked on this unique mini vacation.
photo by Anastasia Freeman

The main objective of traveling to Frankenmuth, Michigan was to see this famous Christmas store that I'd read about in Reader's DIgest about 20 years ago. Did this place still exist? Was it really and truly worth the drive? Yes on all fronts.
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

Bronner's Christmas store. Open the majority of the year. Imagine stepping out of the sunshine into a air conditioned store with Wintery trinkets abounding and soothing Christmas music playing overhead.
photo by LaZeric Freeman

Like stepping into a beautiful, enchanted forest.
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

One of the highlights of the trip was visiting Popcorn Wagon located in River Place Shops (mall). So enticing that I was inclined to send away for a few bags several months later - from Michigan to Indiana.
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

An abundance of unimaginable flavors. Just reading the signs above the tasty treats would send your head spinning.
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

Even if you don't usually get excited about knick knacks and paddywhacks, you can't help but to smile as you walk through this massive structure.
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

Mary and Joseph strike a handsome figure in this family portrait of sorts.
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

Something about Christmas tree ornaments. Particularly the traditional ball decorations. Especially when they have a glass or mirrored look to them.
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

It takes you back to your childhood; helping your mother decorate the tree. Especially memorable to me, as it was just me and mom doing the decorating.
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

Seeing the decorations come out of hiding after a year long hibernation ...
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

Saddened when it was time to take them down and store them away again ...
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

Simply awesome.
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

The fact that my wife agreed to travel to this weird/wild place ... For most of our marriage, the main argument has been over when to take the tree down.
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

I've left the tree up as long as the first of February. And this is WITH constant nagging from the wife, "Umm, LaZeric ... How long are we going to leave the tree up? Christmas is over."
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

Ice cream ornaments? I wish I'd seen these when my kids were young enough to appreciate such a thing.
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

Potato chip and snack ornaments? Wowzers ....
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

And of course, if you have snacks, then you need condiments to go along with them. Right?
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

My oh my. What a majestic tree.
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

netaji-honored-at-lasthis-statue-will-adorn-the-canopy-at-india-gate

Santa and the Mrs ... Just chillin'
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

Do you fancy your Christmas tree in purple?
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

Or do you prefer your tree in a green maraschino cherry?
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

A Christmas village that is reminiscent of the town we were visiting, as well as a few Hallmark movies I've seen over the years.
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

Check out the snowman family band up on high.
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

Please don't touch. Because there is nothing worse than having to purchase a broken trinket that wasn't on your list.
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

Angels we have heard in July ...
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

smooth-white-chocolate-buttercream — photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

With visions of FINGERHUT dancing in their heads ...
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

God bless America and God bless Christmas
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

Bye Bye Santa.
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

Some say that the 26th of December is the saddest day of the year. But my saddest day was having to drive past the sign that told me I was now leaving Fraknemuth.
photo by LaZeric Fridell Freeman

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Comments

LaZeric Freeman (author) from Hammond on December 22, 2020:

BRENDA ARLEDGE, thank you very much for your kind words. You also have a wonderful holiday season.

John Hansen it was my pleasure to share. By the way, from walking the streets and people watching, I gathered that Frankenmuth attracts hundreds of people (in July anyway, maybe more all year round) from faraway states and faraway lands. So once this pandemic is over, I'd give it a try if you're able. Thanks for reading.

BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on December 21, 2020:

Thank you for sharing this amazing place for us to see.

I really enjoyed seeing the pictures. Just the sort of thing I really needed today.

I can kick back and relax and dream of Christmas again.

I hate it when I leave a place on vacation too.

Have a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.

John Hansen from Gondwana Land on December 21, 2020:

Wow, what an amazing Christmas store, and delightful photos. I have never seen a store like that before. I am sure it was well worth the trip. Thank you for sharing LaZeric.