Riding the Holiday Train

My first time riding the CTA Holiday Train was entirely coincidental.  I was headed home early from work to meet an old friend and happened upon the holiday train for the last leg of my journey.  Decked out in lights and tinsel, holiday music echoing through the cars, and elves with candy canes, I was surprised to see the train pull up at the Fullerton Brown Line station.  Not knowing exactly what to expect, I boarded the train and was greeted by the smells of gingerbread and mulled cider. 

Even though I was only riding for one stop, I was swept up in the fun of the holiday train.  Looking at the schedule I realized that it would run again while my son was home.  I dragged him to the station for an evening trip on the Holiday Train.  We got there early and watched the crowds build.  Some families with young children, some young adults in their Christmas pajamas, and some people like me.  As we waited other Red Line trains arrived and those who merely wanting to get somewhere boarded, unaware (?), unimpressed with the growing sense of anticipation.  Finally, the bedecked blue train arrived, with Santa on his own car.

We crowded on and you couldn't help but smile along with the other riders.  The thought I had, on that platform, was that my Mother would have loved this. It was exactly the right mix of kitsch and tradition, of holiday, family, and fun. She would have marveled at the lights and decorations, amazed at the effort and effect.  I wish she could share the Holiday Train with me.  I shared it with my son, though, and that was good.