A “Snooze Cruise” On 25 Christmas Lane

Being the World’s Largest Christmas Store, Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland has become a tradition for families near and far. The Bronner family takes pride in sharing the magic of Christmas and hearing about the memories guests have made when visiting the store. In fact, a local family shared a sweet story that involved a drive down Christmas Lane in an attempt to get their infant to sleep. What began as a clever parenting trick turned into a memory their family will hold onto for years to come.

Andrew and Nicole Ahlschwede are active members within the Frankenmuth community, as well as parents of two young children, Luella (Lu) and Frederick (Freddie). After welcoming Freddie into their family, they learned that he had trouble falling asleep for naps. Any parent knows that naps for young babies are very important, but it can prove to be a struggle to get them to rest when they need it. So, they decided to take the kids for a drive.  

“Luella, being a busy toddler, would get rather bored, rather quickly. So we found creative ways to entertain Lu while Fred “snoozed” in the car,” Andrew said. “It didn’t take long to find out that nothing captured her attention and kept her engaged more than driving through Bronner’s parking lot and looking at the lights and decorations.”

The family dubbed it the “Snooze Cruise”! Although who can say that they have access to a drive-through Christmas light display all-year round for a time such as this?! 

“It became routine,” Andrew said. “We didn’t realize how much Lu was really paying attention to all the sights until one day, before we turned towards 25 Christmas Lane to repeat the journey, Lu quietly asked, “Where’s the flag?” Honestly, neither Nicole nor I had noticed, but when we took another glance … Lu was right! The American flag light display was gone. We continued on through the parking lot looking at lights … but that wasn’t the end of it for Lu. She remembered every time we went back for our “Snooze Cruise” that the flag was missing. We’d have to stop specifically in that area to let her investigate it.” 

Not long after, Andrew attended a board meeting and ran into Maria (Bronner) Sutorik and told her about his daughter and her concern for the missing flag.  

“She informed me that the flag had to go to the repair shop, but it would be back out when it was fixed,” Andrew said. “We told Lu and she seemed satisfied and pleased that her flag would soon be back out for her to view.” 

“Now that Freddie is napping on his own in his crib, we aren’t driving through Bronner’s parking lot multiple times a day anymore, but Lu still asks to go to Bronner’s to see the lights, and now to go and browse the displays inside as well.” 

For many of us, Christmas carries a lifetime of memories and the little moments that made the season feel magical as a child. But becoming a parent brings a beautiful shift in perspective. Suddenly you’re not just remembering the magic of your own childhood—you’re creating it for someone else. The traditions and experiences that once brought you joy become opportunities to make new memories with your children, often in ways you never expected. We asked Andrew and Nicole how Christmas has changed for them since becoming parents. 

“What has changed is a reflection on all the things that our parents did for us to make Christmas special,” Andrew said. “What previously were just fond memories are now questions of why and how. Why did our parents do what they did? How did they do what they did? How will we do similarly to allow our kids to grow up with a love for Christmas that is rooted in why Christmas is needed. Making sure our children know that although the Christmas season is filled with worldly joy, fun, laughter, and more (and these are good things to have and enjoy!) the reason for CHRISTmas is our need for salvation. And the greatest gift we will ever receive at Christmas is the love of our Lord through the birth of Christ Jesus!” 

As many parents would understand, finding a little peace at bedtime/naptime can feel like a holiday miracle of its own. It’s a reminder that some of the most cherished memories aren’t always the ones we plan; they’re the unexpected moments that become part of a family’s story. Years from now, this family may look back on those naptime drives with a smile, remembering how a sleepy baby, a car ride, and thousands of twinkling lights created a Christmas memory they’ll treasure for years to come.

At Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, we take pride in being part of the moments that bring families together. For generations, our store has been more than a place to shop for Christmas. It has been a destination where traditions begin, memories are made, and loved ones gather to celebrate the magic of the season. We’re honored to play a small part in the stories families carry with them through the years.

Personalized Family Of 6 Opening Presents Resin Ornament (1212872)
Personalized Farmhouse Family Of 5 Ornament (1260240)
Personalized Fireplace Mantle With 3 Stockings Table Display (1166125)

Discover more about making Bronner’s – A Family Christmas Tradition.