Christmas is a magical time, no matter where you are…but I’ve come to believe that it might be a little extra magical the further north you go. And in Practically Canada it’s pretty magical. I know we are still a long way from Santa’s house at the North Pole, but I feel closer than I’ve ever been.
Is it cold? You bet. So cold that I can’t feel my fingers if I forget my gloves after dark. So cold that 25 degrees {F} feels balmy and I think…”Oh good, I don’t need a coat.”
But the thing about North Dakota is that the cold doesn’t deter folks from having a good time. Christmas festivities {yes outdoor stuff too} goes on in full flavor.
Last week I went to a Christmas cantata in a barn held in the middle of no where. We sat on hay bales and singers wore jeans and cowboy hats. I’ve driven through parks lit with lights, shopped the precious downtown stores, been served hot chocolate and shishkabobs cooked on the sidewalk while strolling downtown.
Then…when I thought I truly knew what Paul McCartney was talking about when he sang the song, “Simply having a wonderful Christmas time…” it happened. The coolest Christmas event I’ve ever been part of. The Christmas Train.
Yes. This is as close as you’ll get to the real life Polar Express. Each year the Canadian Pacific train makes a pass across the northern part of the country. Stopping off at towns along the way, spreading holiday cheer and raising awareness for community food banks. It’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. My fingers were too cold to take video…but these folks took a pretty good one and posted it. You really need to watch this baby roll.
Was it cold? You betcha. Only 5 degrees with a windchill well below zero. But that doesn’t stop the masses in Practically Canada. Loads of folks braved the cold to see the lights, indulge in hot cider and cocoa…and partake in a sing along concert that took place on a stage that opened out of one of the train cars. Amazing.
And what would a Christmas train be with no Santa? Easy…the answer to that question is…LAME. So obviously the man-in-the-hat was there as well to dance on stage during the finally. Then, as sweetly as it arrived, the stage closed up, the crowd backed away, a whistle blew and the jolly express rolled away into the night.
See what I mean? Magical. I hope your December has been as special as mine has! For more info on the Holiday Train check out their blog here!
Amy
