STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. (WXYZ) — “Love the city, the town, the community,” said Sterling Heights resident Dan Wesner.
Wesner was born and raised in Sterling Heights on Irval Drive near 18 Mile and Utica roads. He married his high school sweetheart, bought his childhood home when his parents decided to sell and raised his kids there.
“Oh, Christmas, I love Christmas!” Wesner said.
Now the Wesner home is known as the Christmas house.
“It’s just a joyful time of year and I think that it’s addictive,” Wesner said.
The displays are made from his love for the community. Whether it’s a memory of a lost family member, a tribute to a high school coach or a jersey with his son’s number on it – it's all from his heart and he’s been doing this for about 20 years.
Wesner says it’s a six-week set up and what makes this display unique is it's designed for people to enjoy day or night.
“Out here there’s about eight scenes and every year I take away one scene away and add a scene,” Wesner said.
This year’s addition is the hot air balloon.
“I think the kids are the best part about it,” Wesner added.
He says the neighbors have been so amazing over the years.
“It’s really nice," said Andrea Cull. "Traffic gets a little busy, but we really enjoy Mr. and Mrs. Wesner as our next door neighbors.”
Cull says her 6-year-old daughter is obsessed. However, there's one rule: Wesner made a deal with himself that he can’t spend more than $250 each year, so most of his displays are handmade or secondhand.
“The guys are PVC, and I sew the faces and the clothes come from Salvation Army,” Wesner said.
His family is celebrating his community every day in December.
“Christmas Eve is crazy, it’s bumper to bumper,” Wesner said.
The Wesner Christmas House is a community staple for the holidays!
“It’s pretty simple," Wesner said. “The reward is so much worth the effort. It’s not even close.”
