I realize I'm writing this in February, but it excites me more to look back an reminisce on the wonderful holiday season. Being our first newly married Christmas, Steve and I took much joy in decorating our Christmas tree, hanging our stockings, and listening to classic Christmas songs. And did I mention my husband putting up the big, old fashioned, fire hazard Christmas lights outside? Thank you, Grandma for sending them in the mail after hearing of Steve's love and apparent need of these. But first, Thanksgiving eve once Steve was on holiday break from work, we took a mini road trip to Frankenmuth, Michigan to find our Christmas spirit.
It was a few hour drive but well worth it. It was so fun to bundle up and go to this Christmas, winter wonderland. Upon arriving we first ate at the Bavarian Inn where they are known for their chicken dinners and authentic German dishes. We ate in a big family dining room that accommodates larger parties not realizing how big the inn was and that you could choose any dining room to eat in. Following dinner we spent a few hours exploring the little shops in Frankenmuth and in the Bavarian Inn. To our suprise, we spent alot of time in Rainy Cats and Dogs, a little pet shop where we bought our kitty a collar & name tag. (She has come to tolerate it now but would have preferred if we had left that in Frankenmuth I think.) They had a wide variety of shops but the most well known of course is Bronners which we saved the best for last! Bronners is a store for everything Christmas!! It is such a fun way to begin celebrating Christmas and we enjoyed picking out Christmas ornaments for our first married Christmas together as well as a tree topper. We also bought some ornaments as gifts for friends. One of my favorite sections of the store were tree's decorated from around the world with ornaments available for purchase on them. Not knowing what to expect of Bronners, I was surprised at how big it was and realized you need to devote a lot of time to see the whole store.
If you're looking for a fun way to get into the Christmas spirit I would recommend going to Frankenmuth. It can be a fun family destination or a romantic getaway with horse drawn carriages in this little sparkly town. I hope to make this a tradition and go back next year for what feels like a little far away vacation destination, surprisingly close to home! Upon returning home our kitty, Crosby, discovered she could climb our new tree and bite the pre lit Christmas lights ( Oh dear, many of which we were able to repair thankfully). Nonetheless, qe were quick to want to tear down our tree after the holidays. Luckily, she didn't break any of the ornaments from Bronners! : ) And yes, Santa also brought Crosby a little gift under the tree too.
