The CTA Holiday Train with Santa. Photo credit: CTA
Chicago is already in full swing with the city having their holiday decorations up, which also means that the CTA has already rolled out the holiday “L” train with their festive lights on with Santa Claus leading the way in his sled. Across the state of Illinois, The Metra and Canadian Pacific have also rolled out their holiday trains. When it comes to the holidays, something about trains invokes a sense of joy and the Christmas spirt. No other mode of transportation quite captures the same magic as the train and then make it a part of a Christmas theme – which also makes it a uniquely American Christmas tradition.
When most people put up their Christmas trees, folks would put an electric train set – chiefly a Lionel Electric Train set. But why trains, you ask? It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how the train has become a Christmas icon, but many agree that trains have made a U.S. cultural significance. It all began with the golden age of the railroads.
During its height of popularity, the main mode of transportation for people was taking the train. With the expansion of the railroads, connection, and adventure of train travel – the train became a symbolism of progression and connection. Some will say that the reason why the train became synonymous with Christmas is because the trains would bring people together. Others say that trains became popular is because they were on everything, from greeting cards to toy model trains.
Taking a stroll through the neighborhood and window shopping at some department stores along your routes, the shops would decorate with festive holiday models and figurines – toy trains included. The toy train captured the hearts of many kids and made them highly sought after.
The toy model of choice was from Lionel Electric Trains, popular but expensive. As soon as kids opened their gifts, they immediately began to play with their trains. Parents would tell the kids to place their trains under the tree, so the grandparents or anyone else would trip themselves up.
A holiday Pokemon theme Loinel train set. Photo Credit: Pokemoncenter.com
A traditional Christmas tree setup usually involves a toy model train. Families would pass down model trains from generation to generation, continuing the tradition alive. Even in today’s digital age, people are nostalgic for simplicity during the holidays. Seeing the little toy trains light up and make train sounds, really made the tree visually appealing. With time, some train setups have gotten more elaborate with more train tracks and buildings.
Throughout the years, Lionel has been able to weather the storms and has remained relevant. The Lionel trains have really tapped into the nostalgic approach to their toy trains while they continue to combine their toy trains with other franchises/films like ‘Pokemon’ and ‘The Polar Express’ to amplify their holiday magic. As their slogan says, “Not just a toy, a Tradition.”
However you capture your holiday magic and spirit, always reflect on the journey it takes to get here and never forget. If you’re surrounded by loved ones and friends or surrounded by the memories of the ones who are missed, this is true holiday magic. Its always important not simply chug along in life, but to remember the journey and always seek out the next moment in life that will make us share that holiday spirit with others. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Feliz Navidad to all our wonderful CCM readers.
