Well it is Christmas time in the city and the NFTA helped put people and especially children into the mood in a very festive and fun way. One of my favorite memories of childhood was taking the train downtown with my grandfather. I would gaze out the windows and watch the tunnel speed by. It always felt like we were going a million miles an hour.
Then there was the ability to stand up and walk around during the ride without the need to be strapped down. It was always a fun time to feel the ebb and flow of the motion under your feet. All are unique and fun activities for children on such a simple thing as a train. Something many Americans might never experience in their life.
This year the NFTA took an already fun trip and added some holiday flare. The stations are filled with Christmas carols and yesterday certain trains were privy to a surprise visit from Santa. A fellow train rider of mine was kind enough to share a couple of images with me of the event in action. I must say I was surprised by the transformation.
How fun would it be as a child to get to ride the train and meet Santa! I think this was a great little event to and has the ability to put a fond memory in each child. It combines the thrill of a train ride with the holiday warmth of sitting on Santa’s lap asking for presents. What a perfect reason to bundle up the little one and take a cheerful Santa-filled ride downtown. Too bad it was just for one day. It is certainly something worth planning ahead for next year.
*Photo’s by Jim G.