Traditions & Toys

For 11 months out of the year she sits in the box, waiting to hear 

That wonderful sound of unpacking come December. Caring, tinkering hands arrange her around the Christmas tree.

Her engine runs well, choo-chooing around, bringing smiles, joy and cheer.

After the holidays, she’s packed away, but for now, she’s free. 

Each year, those tinkering hands grow older.

Until one year, she stays in the box through December. 

The months grow longer, her engine runs colder. 

Until one year, new hands remove her from the box. They’re new to her, but they seem to remember. 

“Granny’s train,” she hears them say, as once again, she’s put together.

They start her up, her engine whistles and roars.

Around she goes, an old tradition, but a new endeavor.

She’s free again, that old Christmas train. She’s hers, she’s ours, she’s yours.