Welcome to “Beamer’s Holiday Beat,” Bronner’s e-newsletter for everyone who shares Wally Bronner’s and my passion for Christmas. (Wally asked me to tell you there are only 21 days until Christmas!)

Is your house and yard featured on www.MyChristmasWonderland.com, Bronner’s Christmas lights site for sharing outdoor Christmas decorations with the world? Simply pinpoint your Christmas decorations display on the map, and add a picture and description. How’s that for spreading a little Christmas cheer? It’s a great way to gather decorating ideas from others, too!

It’s not too late to order decorations and gifts from Bronner’s. Shop online at www.bronners.com or call (989) 652-9931 by December 10 to place an order for economy ground delivery by December 21. Expedited ground delivery orders must be placed by December 13 to assure arrival by December 21. Second-day air orders must be placed by noon (EST) on December 19 for delivery by December 24. Overnight orders must be placed by noon (EST) on December 20 for delivery by December 24. (Personalized items not included.)

The Bronner family and staff join me in wishing you a blessed celebration of the birth of Jesus, our Savior.

Thank you for inviting me into your home. You’re welcome at my home, www.bronners.com or 25 Christmas Lane in Frankenmuth, all year long!

Bronner’s elegant, white mobile makes a stunning statement throughout the Christmas season and into the winter beyond.

Lights, Camera, Action!

Craig Fick, Bronner’s commercial salesman, sold product for two movies that are opening in theaters this Christmas season. “Fred Claus,” starring Vince Vaughn and Paul Giamatti, was released November 9. “I Am Legend,” starring Will Smith, will be out December 14. In “Fred Claus,” the bitter, older brother of Nicholas Claus/Santa Claus is forced to move to the North Pole. Will he ruin Christmas? “I sold a Santa chair and building front décor to the studio for “Fred Claus,” Fick said.

In “I Am Legend,” a brilliant scientist is the last human survivor of a viral plague. While fighting mutant victims of the plague, he tries to find a way to reverse the effects of the virus using his own immune blood. “I don’t believe any scenes in ‘I Am Legend’ take place at Christmas,” said Fick. “We did, however, sell the studio many lights.” Fick is currently working with three films that should be released in 2008. “The Time Traveler’s Wife” stars Eric Bana and Michelle Nolden. The romantic drama tells the story of a Chicago librarian with a gene that causes him to involuntarily time travel and the complications it creates for his marriage.

“I sold them skylines, a building-front halo star, and several ivy ornament sprays, Fick said.

“The Lovely Bones,” starring Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz and Susan Sarandon, is about a 14-year-old girl from suburban Pennsylvania who is raped and murdered by her neighbor. She tells the story from heaven, showing the lives of the people around her and how they have changed, all the while attempting to get someone to find her lost body.

“They have ordered 8-foot flame candle pole mounts, pole wraps, a dozen 40-foot skylines, wreaths and bows,” said Fick. “They’re also looking at a 20-foot tree and other décor for a scene to be shot on the inside of a shopping center.”

“The Four Christmases,” starring Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon, is about a couple struggling to visit all four of their divorced parents on Christmas Day. Fick is just beginning work with the studio.

Bronner’s commercial department supplies cities, parks, shopping centers, malls, churches, and movie production companies with seasonal decorations.

For more information visit www.bronnerscommercial.com

Light up Your Holidays in Frankenmuth
If you’re looking for a wonderland location for your family get-together this Christmas season, Frankenmuth has so much to offer. The city is tastefully lit and decorated from top to bottom. Make it Frankenmuth for that special dinner, shopping excursion or family gathering. Our friendly motels, restaurants and shops look forward to serving you. Visit www.frankenmuth.org for more information.

Bronner’s Flavorful Favorites
We thought you might like to try one of the recipes from Bronner’s staff cookbook, “Bronner’s Flavorful Favorites.” The cookbook features over 400 recipes submitted by Bronner’s staff and is available online or in-store for $13.99.

Almond Cheddar Appetizers

1 c. mayonnaise
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
½ c. onion, minced
¾ c. slivered almonds, chopped
8 bacon strips
1 loaf French bread

Toast almonds at 350° for 5-10 minutes. Cut bacon into ¼-inch pieces, fry and drain. Cut bread into ½-inch slices and cut slices in half. Combine mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, cheese, onion, almonds and bacon together in small bowl. Spread on bread halves. Place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 8-10 minutes or until bubbly. To make ahead, assemble and place on cookie sheet. Cover and freeze for 1 hour. Place in Ziploc bags to store for up to two months. Makes 48.

Submitted by Debra Shimer

*Due to the popularity of Bronner’s first staff cookbook, “Bronner’s Flavorful Favorites,” a second staff cookbook is planned. Our cookbook committee is currently collecting more favorite recipes from our staff with an anticipated publication date in April 2008.