Christmas train.

The thought of a Christmas Train running around the tree has always intrigued me. Memorialized in any black and white holiday picture, movie scene or Magnificent Mile Store front picture window…it’s the stuff of fairy-tales.  I am not so sure we ever had one running around our tree as I grew up, I know that we – er Jim and Tom had trains in the basement – and at one time so did I. (Still do - after a fashion)

This Christmas with Family visiting Grandma, and no room under our tree for the “LGB Christmas train”, I floated the idea of the train running under Grandmas tree. Everyone expressed a joyous glee at the idea.

Of course, it is a win win, a time of the year when all the children in us get to come out hidden in the joy of the season. I am loving it too. 

 

John and "Nonnie" pose as Santa and the Christmas Train come around Grandma's tree.

It’s really John’s Christmas train, I am not certain he knows it is. We have only been the maintainers of the tradition and the care and maintenance has under our direction, for now.  Many years ago at the Local Hobby Shop (Venture Hobbies) Christmas came early for John. It was our Saturday or Sunday routine – we would go see Don and the staff, check out the aisles and the new products…bring home a detail part or some paint – maybe a new locomotive for the HO railroad. We’ve left our mark there… Spit up in the plastic’s section…  touching everything – knocking some things over now and again. Oh and more, the fact that John had a trach tube (Airway in his neck) was not lost on Don and the staff – but they were my guys for 10 or 12 years before John. (Friday nights closing, asking color or application questions… helping me along the way). 

Taking the train to storage, as Grandma - smiling - looks on

On one visit during the holidays we were taken to the LGB section and John was asked to review the train in this big box, Don explained that it was able to “Smoke.” John’s eyes lit up and there was an unabated excitement erupting in the aisle – that’s when he did it.

Don said, "John – this train is for you!" I nearly passed out – that can’t be right! ? – but there was no refusing it. I am not sure who had more glee at the prospect – Don or John. I was floored...

I could see the warm glow in Don’s heart showing thru… “Little John” gets a Christmas train – and one he can put on the tracks himself… 

This year I completely enjoyed looking at all the "Little kids" faces around the room as Santa and the Christmas train came around the tree... John at the throttle.

Don's Christmas gift is still circling the tree. It has become an integral part of our Christmas Tradition. I wonder if he ever thought? Thank you Don, your gracious gift is still spreading the joy of the season.. one circuit at a time.