The Christmas Tradition

Every family and every household celebrates different holidays throughout the year. My family celebrates Christmas and it was my favorite holiday growing up, as well as my children's favorite holiday now.

Every year, typically on Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) in Portland, Maine, our family slips into a treasured ritual: boarding the Polar Express to officially kick off the holiday season. Downtown Portland's crisp air and the glow of Christmas lights frame our walk to the Polar Express train ride, where the steam and brass of the train promise something just seen in the Polar Express Movie. From the first chime of the bell to the conductor’s cheerful call, the journey feels suspended from everyday time—frosted windows, hot chocolate, the soft jostle of the train cars, and the best part...when we pick up Santa from the north pole!

The magic is for everyone! Our children love to press their faces to the glass, eyes wide with the possibility of spotting Santa outside, while adults rediscover the simple joy of believing—laughing together at the sing-along carols, trading stories as the train rocks gently along the tracks, and savoring those rare quiet moments when the whole family is wrapped in the same spell. By the time we step back off the train, the children are ringing their bells that Santa gave them with cheeks rosy and hearts full, the season has truly begun—bright, brimming, and carried forward by one unforgettable ride.

This is one tradition that my children talk about all year long and they always ask when we are going to go back!