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For Wally Bronner, Christmas is more than a favorite holiday; it's his life. Since 1945, Frankenmuth, Michigan's most famous resident has made his living celebrating Christmas every day of the year. Two million guests visit Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland annually in search of Christmas decorations, one-of-a-kind gifts, or the chance to experience what most consider the largest Christmas store in the world.

The CHRISTmas Wonderland complex is situated on more than 40 acres, 90 miles north of Detroit, in a town known as Michigan's Little Bavaria. The retail store, in which over 50,000 gifts are stocked, covers seven acres under one continuous roof. This indoor extravaganza features 500 different types of nativity scenes from 59 nations, more than 350 decorated trees, and 6,000 types of ornaments. The twinkling lights, Christmas music, and holiday scents are a delight to the senses. The place really is a wonderland, a surreal setting that will have you convinced it's Christmas even in the middle of July.

The 500 employees that work for Wally Bronner know that his passion for Christmas is not just a way of making a living. For him, it's a way of making a difference in the world.

"The message of Christmas is the most wonderful message in the world," Wally says with his signature smile and a twinkle in his eyes. "It's a message that can change the hearts of people. It's a message that proclaims God loves us and came to our world to prove how much. And because of that, it's a message that is relevant every day of the year, not just on December 25th."

In an effort to keep his store's Christ-centered focus front and center for employees and visitors alike, Wally insists that CHRISTmas be spelled on signs, billboards, and brochures so that Christ's name is emphasized. He also makes sure the company's motto is prominently displayed: "Enjoy CHRISTmas. It's HIS birthday. Enjoy LIFE. It's HIS way."

Wally's commitment to enjoy life is rooted in his personal faith in Christ. And his joy is contagious. Some of his employees have worked at Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland for over 40 years, no doubt because their rosy-cheeked, balding boss follows Jesus' injunction to treat others the way you'd like to be treated.

For all intents and purposes, Wally's business began in 1945 when he was a senior in high school. Using his parent's basement as a workshop, the boy with a flair for artistic design began painting signs and posters for school functions and church groups. Local stores asked young Wally if he could trim their windows for special occasions and holidays. Farmers sought out the young sign painter to obtain hand-lettered name panels for their barns. Soon communities around Frankenmuth were soliciting Wally's help to create a festive mood on downtown streets during the Christmas season. His attractive window designs and streetlight banners became a trademark.

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