Crashing! Whistling! Booming! These are just a few of the words that describe the sheer excitement a simple train set evokes, especially at Christmas-time. For many, the nostalgia of a train circling around an evergreen is a tradition that brings smiles to people of all ages from very young to very old. Many Holiday books and movies, especially those based around the early 1900s, depict scenes with enthusiastic travelers arriving with hugs and presents for their loved ones. The scene from the classic Christmas movie It Is a Wonderful Life, where Harry exits the train with his new bride evokes such an image of simple times of joyous reunion. Personally, my family’s fascination with trains at Christmas embodies memories of the past with our 3 young sons, amusement in the present and a promise of future fun with family and friends.
The Past
The sweet sound of the train bell honking as it swerves around the track evokes many happy memories with my now three young adult sons. It all started with the book and then animated movie The Little Engine That Could. My three small boys loved this timeless tale of the little train that would not give up. Despite many obstacles, the small train persevered and brought gifts to the children for Christmas. Next, came Thomas the Tank, which was an absolute favorite in our household. The small, wooden Thomas set was played with continuously as they watched the popular tv series. My oldest son, now 25 years old, had the cutest conductor bibs, hat, and whistle! Eventually, they graduated to the Polar Express story. This is where they received their first electric Christmas train track that circled the tree. Unfortunately, it did not hold up and we only had it for a couple of seasons
Finally, my husband discovered Geotrax, which was created by the company Fisher Price! I don’t know who enjoyed them more, the kids or my husband. He would spend hours building elaborate sets only to be destroyed by three rambunctious boys. For many years new wrapped tracks and trains would be tucked beneath our tree. Then suddenly one year we noticed we were no longer able to purchase them at the stores. The boys were getting older and moving on to other things so it seemed that the era had ended. Eventually, they were placed in a huge bin and stored in the garage, seemingly forgotten.
The Present
Many years past by and our little boys grew into teenagers then young adults. During the first week of December of 2024 our first-born son, who is attending graduate school states away, traveled home for Christmas. We were all sitting around one night talking of past Christmases and getting quite sentimental when the mention of the Geotrax was brought up. That night in bed I asked my husband whatever happened to them and he mentioned they might be in the garage rafters. Bright and early the next morning we were on a mission to restore this memory back to life. He discovered the whereabouts but realized none of the various trains worked anymore. Fortunately, after a few eBay purchases arrived, we were up and running in a few days. It has been heartwarming to watch the men in my life “play” once again with these beloved trains. Similarly, it was neat on Christmas Eve to witness my young great niece and nephews as well as my elderly father discover the wonder and awe of these simple trains. They truly are for all ages.
The Future
This train set is currently taking up almost half of my dining room floor. It reminds me of earlier days when my sons would make forts with blankets and pillows over the dining room table and I would let them keep it up for days. Sometimes, its more important to choose fun over a beautiful décor. Anyway, my son will be leaving for college in a couple of weeks and the train set will be packed away. Hopefully, it will reemerge next December as a new old tradition. We may have to search for a new location for it so I can utilize our dining room fully, but for this year it was worth the sacrifice of seating space to enjoy the simple pleasure of the rediscovered locomotive.