Setting Up Grandpa's Train

One of my favorite Christmas traditions has always been setting up Grandpa's antique toy train around the Christmas tree at my Grandparents rural farm house. In fact, as far as I'm concerned the Christmas season doesn't begin until we get the train set up and running. I've been helping Grandpa set up the train since I was just a little girl (I'm now 24!) After the tree is decorated we carefully take the train out of it's storage box and set up the tracks and all the cars. While Grandpa and I carefully assemble the train, Grandma begins the holiday baking and the wonderful smells of her famous sugar cookies drift into the living room. Setting up the Lionel Hudson train is surely one of my most cherished Christmas traditions. Right now my son is only 6 months old, but I'm sure in just a few years he'll be an important part of this family tradition.

~Tammy F., Eagan, MN