Christmas feels like a whole new holiday for me this year. As a new mom, I feel so much pressure to make it special for the kids. It seems like there are a million ways to “DO” Christmas, and yet I’ve been at a loss. After all, it’s celebrating those age-old holiday traditions that makes Christmas the most magical time of the year. What new traditions can I establish with my family to spark that special Christmas magic?
During a family getaway to Mendocino, when my firstborn was just a year old, we were looking for dog-friendly activities and riding the Skunk Train was one of them! We loved it and later discovered that they have a sister railroad right here in Sacramento - the River Fox Train! Throughout the year they have themed rides and, low and behold, a ‘Magical Christmas Train’ is one of them! Maybe this could be one of our traditions!!
The Saturday after Thanksgiving, we dressed the kids in their festive PJs and hopped aboard the 4 o’clock train. There were trees, lights and a cute, little elf playing Christmas carols for us as we checked in and found our seats. Another elf named ‘Skittles’ greeted us as we waited for the booths to fill with other passengers. We were brought a plate of cookies (the first round of many!) and a menu with a list of snacks and beverages for additional purchase. Daddy and Mama agreed that our hot cocoa needed to be spiked, so we spiced things up with some peppermint schnapps!
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After the train departed, the fun began! We wrote a letter to Santa, made paper reindeer, ate more cookies, sang and danced, played Christmas bingo, ate some more cookies, had a snowball fight, and saw the big man himself! Mr. and Mrs. Claus made a gracious stop at each booth in the cab. Santa asked the kids what they wanted for Christmas, waited patiently for my toddler to tell him her heart’s desire was a blue lollipop, and took photos with the family. It was the first time she’s seen Santa outside of a book or movie, and I just can’t get over the shock, confusion, curiosity and excitement all over her face when he stepped through those doors.
For just over an hour of entertainment, the attraction had a big impact on my daughter. She is still talking about it and is still singing ‘A Wonderful Christmas Time,’ after hearing it played by the elf, ‘North Cole,’ on his guitar. It was just the thing we needed to help us kick off this special holiday season, and we’re looking forward to many memories aboard this festive version of the River Fox Train!
Christmas feels like a whole new holiday for me this year. As a new mom, I feel so much pressure to make it special for the kids. It seems like there are a million ways to “DO” Christmas, and yet I’ve been at a loss. After all, it’s celebrating those age-old holiday traditions that makes Christmas the most magical time of the year. What new traditions can I establish with my family to spark that special Christmas magic?
During a family getaway to Mendocino, when my firstborn was just a year old, we were looking for dog-friendly activities and riding the Skunk Train was one of them! We loved it and later discovered that they have a sister railroad right here in Sacramento - the River Fox Train! Throughout the year they have themed rides and, low and behold, a ‘Magical Christmas Train’ is one of them! Maybe this could be one of our traditions!!
The Saturday after Thanksgiving, we dressed the kids in their festive PJs and hopped aboard the 4 o’clock train. There were trees, lights and a cute, little elf playing Christmas carols for us as we checked in and found our seats. Another elf named ‘Skittles’ greeted us as we waited for the booths to fill with other passengers. We were brought a plate of cookies (the first round of many!) and a menu with a list of snacks and beverages for additional purchase. Daddy and Mama agreed that our hot cocoa needed to be spiked, so we spiced things up with some peppermint schnapps!
After the train departed, the fun began! We wrote a letter to Santa, made paper reindeer, ate more cookies, sang and danced, played Christmas bingo, ate some more cookies, had a snowball fight, and saw the big man himself! Mr. and Mrs. Claus made a gracious stop at each booth in the cab. Santa asked the kids what they wanted for Christmas, waited patiently for my toddler to tell him her heart’s desire was a blue lollipop, and took photos with the family. It was the first time she’s seen Santa outside of a book or movie, and I just can’t get over the shock, confusion, curiosity and excitement all over her face when he stepped through those doors.
For just over an hour of entertainment, the attraction had a big impact on my daughter. She is still talking about it and is still singing ‘A Wonderful Christmas Time,’ after hearing it played by the elf, ‘North Cole,’ on his guitar. It was just the thing we needed to help us kick off this special holiday season, and we’re looking forward to many memories aboard this festive version of the River Fox Train!
Christmas feels like a whole new holiday for me this year. As a new mom, I feel so much pressure to make it special for the kids. It seems like there are a million ways to “DO” Christmas, and yet I’ve been at a loss. After all, it’s celebrating those age-old holiday traditions that makes Christmas the most magical time of the year. What new traditions can I establish with my family to spark that special Christmas magic?
During a family getaway to Mendocino, when my firstborn was just a year old, we were looking for dog-friendly activities and riding the Skunk Train was one of them! We loved it and later discovered that they have a sister railroad right here in Sacramento - the River Fox Train! Throughout the year they have themed rides and, low and behold, a ‘Magical Christmas Train’ is one of them! Maybe this could be one of our traditions!!
The Saturday after Thanksgiving, we dressed the kids in their festive PJs and hopped aboard the 4 o’clock train. There were trees, lights and a cute, little elf playing Christmas carols for us as we checked in and found our seats. Another elf named ‘Skittles’ greeted us as we waited for the booths to fill with other passengers. We were brought a plate of cookies (the first round of many!) and a menu with a list of snacks and beverages for additional purchase. Daddy and Mama agreed that our hot cocoa needed to be spiked, so we spiced things up with some peppermint schnapps!
After the train departed, the fun began! We wrote a letter to Santa, made paper reindeer, ate more cookies, sang and danced, played Christmas bingo, ate some more cookies, had a snowball fight, and saw the big man himself! Mr. and Mrs. Claus made a gracious stop at each booth in the cab. Santa asked the kids what they wanted for Christmas, waited patiently for my toddler to tell him her heart’s desire was a blue lollipop, and took photos with the family. It was the first time she’s seen Santa outside of a book or movie, and I just can’t get over the shock, confusion, curiosity and excitement all over her face when he stepped through those doors.
For just over an hour of entertainment, the attraction had a big impact on my daughter. She is still talking about it and is still singing ‘A Wonderful Christmas Time,’ after hearing it played by the elf, ‘North Cole,’ on his guitar. It was just the thing we needed to help us kick off this special holiday season, and we’re looking forward to many memories aboard this festive version of the River Fox Train!
