By Al Zehnder, CEO of Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth
When I was a kid, we always got a real Christmas tree. My dad was a real Christmas tree kind of guy. Always pre-cut, we never cut our own. We had a tradition of getting that tree from the same lot on my sister’s birthday, December 21st. My dad knew the people that sold the trees and although we never called ahead, they seemed to expect us and were always happy to see us. I guess we were “once a year regulars” at their tree lot. While they usually said they had one set aside for us, I’m not so sure. Some of the trees in our pictures of Christmases past look like they would have been tree lot orphans if we hadn’t shown up. Who really waits until December 21st to get a real tree?
I tried to maintain the real tree tradition but the lure of that perfect looking, pre-lit, artifical tree just proved to be too much. Plus, we began cutting our own and each year my wife and kids seemed to pick out bigger and bigger trees that made a bigger and bigger mess, etc. When people ask now I tell them we cut our tree down at the Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland showroom.
If you find yourself hunting for that perfect tree (real or artifical), and your travels lead you close to Frankenmuth, please stop by. Our community is really dressed up for the Christmas season. The lights throughout the community come on just at dusk. It really is beautiful. The streets and nearly every building are decorated for the Christmas season. If you have time, take a stroll through Zehnder’s. Each of our dining rooms are decorated differently and have at least one decorated Christmas tree or manger scene. Plus our lobbies and retail areas are decorated as well. Feel free to come in and just look around.
If you need a place to bring friends and family together for your Christmas celebration, we are open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Day. Or order one of our complete Christmas Dinners To-Go by calling 800-863-7999.
If anything that you see spurs memories and traditions of your Christmas past or present, please feel free to share them with us. On behalf of our family to yours, have a blessed Christmas.
Sincerely,
Al Zehnder, CEO of Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth
I enjoyed your story. We had an artificial tree for 25 years until my 15 year old daughter asked why we never had a “real tree”. We have been buying pre-cut trees ever since, even though my wife and I have been empty nesters for the past 5 years.
While it is a bit more work, we do enjoy the freshness and smell of a real Fraser Fir every Christmas, even though it has to be watered daily. As for the mess; well-it’s all part of the Christmas tradition.
We visit Frankenmuth and Zehnders throught the year, even during the cold months of winter, but also during the hot months of summer, after visiting Crossroads Village for a boat and train ride. It’s off to Zehnders for a chicken dinner.
Frankenmuth during the Christmas Holiday season is delightful. There is no place like it.
Thanks for perpetuating the Christmas traditions, even if you don’t use a “real tree”.