Looking back on my childhood, the things that I remember about the holidays aren't which gifts I received but the fun activities that we did leading up to the holidays. I remember going to my grandma Kitty's to bake cookies with my cousin (and ONLY ever being allowed to stir), going caroling through the neighborhood with families and friends, going on a ski trip with my family, and many other little things that we did as a family. They are things that I will never forget and they inspire me to begin similar traditions with my family. One tradition that my family will be adopting is an annual trip to the Strasburg Rail Road to see Santa.  

Last Sunday my family and I boarded the train for Santa's Paradise Express at the Strasburg Rail Road. After watching the train pull into the station we excitingly climbed aboard the coach and picked our seats. Our very comfy seats I might add. The warmth of the potbelly stove, the nice upholstered seats and the exceptionally clean car made it easy to sit and enjoy the ride. We rode the rails through farmlands to Paradise, PA. Not exactly what my typical thoughts of paradise were (beaches, palm trees, etc.)but it was a beautiful day and the scenery was nice. My daughter especially enjoyed seeing the cows and other farm features. Her favorite part though was seeing jolly old St. Nick himself. Santa came ho, ho, hoing down the aisles and stopped at each child along the way to say hello, get a picture or two and to give them each a small gift to take home. My kids are still playing with their toys and talking about Santa. In addition to Santa making his way through each car, we also enjoyed live holiday music performed by carolers and brass instrumentals. We all had a really nice time and so did everyone around us. What stood out most to me on our trip to the Strasburg Rail Road was the hospitality of each and every person working there. EVERYONE smiled, waved, and seemed truly sincere in their actions and words. That, sadly, is something that you can't say very often. We had such a nice time that we are planning to make it a holiday tradition in our family. So, if you haven't been, give it a try. You won't be disappointed and your kids will have a truly unique holiday experience that they'll be talking about for months to come.

Here’s some more info about Santa's Paradise Express:

 Keeping with local holiday tradition, Santa’s Paradise Expressis pulling in to Strasburg Rail Road Thanksgiving weekend. Join Santa on his journey to spread the magic of the season and to bring a sparkle to every child’s eye. This year, Santa’s Paradise Express will chug along the tracks November 25-27, December 2-4, 9-11 and 16-18, 2011.

Back by popular demand, families can ride the 7 p.m. train Fridays in December. Dressed in comfy pajamas or their Christmas best, children enjoy a 45-minute train ride as Santa, carolers and musicians stroll from car-to-car on the journey to Paradise, PAand back. Whether you visit in the evening or throughout the day, the holiday festivities begin on the platform of the East Strasburg Station as the air is filled with sounds of the season and holiday decorations that adorn the station.

After the train ride, children are treated to old time holiday storybook readings in the caboose at the station. Families can also enjoy the Tinsel Trolley ride (a self-propelled motor car), a warm, fun trip down the tracks, all included in the ticket price. Finally, as a special treat, children ages 3 to 11 will receive a gift from Santa and his helper.

Santa’s Paradise Express will be at Strasburg Rail Road, Route 741, Strasburg, PA, November 25, 26 and 27, 2011. Also, see Santa December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18, 2011. Coach tickets are priced at $17 for adults, $10.50 for children ages 3-11, and $3 for kids 3 and under. For a complete listing of dates and times, or to purchase tickets go to www.StrasburgRailRoad.comor call (717) 687-7522. Follow us on Twitter @StrasburgRR or Like us on Facebook.com/StrasburgRailRoad for updates and special offers.