Riding the Santa Train!

We were some of the few, the proud, the extremely fortunate to have tickets for the infamous Santa Train this weekend.  This event is so much fun for kids (and parents) that it completely sells out in August, despite the fact we Virginians are in we are in the midst of roasting in our tank tops and clinging to our air conditioners for relief.  It really does sell out then and for good reason -- it's so sweet and wholesome, not even a tiny bit commercial.

For two weekends in December, the Santa Train runs its magical ride out of Dillwyn Station.  I bet you are wondering to yourself, "Now where the heck is Dillwyn?"  Well, it's the county seat of Buckingham County, about an hour west of Midlothian if you barrel down Route 60 like I do. It is a beautiful rural area, well worth the peaceful drive in itself.   And if you blink, you'll miss it, and that is not much of an exaggeration.

So here is how the Santa Train works -- kiddos and parents get on the old train otherwise called the James River Rambler and the train chugs on out of the station.  About three minutes down the road, the conductor calls out, "We are stopping to pick up a special guest!"  Who could it be????  Why Santa Claus of course, silly!  So he gets on the train and goes through both cars, greeting each child individually and asking them what they want for Christmas.  He is extremely patient and has his picture taken countless.  The best part is that NOTHING is for sale, no photo package or overpriced souvenirs, just some kind-hearted older men who love trains and put this together to make some kids happy.

We were running late getting there, my SOP, so we ended up in the first seat in the first car which was fine.  But lo and behold, when Santa got on the train and started making the rounds, the first kid he talked to was little Sam Macky.  He was so overwhelmed and tongue-tied (Sam, not Santa), he couldn't blurt out his usual rapid-fire wish list of "Woody, Mac, and a drum set!" I had one of those epiphanies when I realized, "Wow!  I really am someone's mother" as I

stage-whispered to him, "Woody-Mac-and-a-drum-set!"  Santa replied jovially, "I think I can do that!"  I then proceeded in my quest for a decent picture for the Christmas card.  I took three pictures in a row of Sam with his eyes shut and Santa.  Where is Norman Rockwell when you need him?

It was all a blur from then on.  Before we knew it, we were back at the station  45 minutes later. And there waiting for us was the biggest iron pot I have ever seen in my life filled with homemade Brunswick stew.  As Rachel Ray would say, "Yum-o!"  We're already to buy our tickets for next year, but alas they don't go on sale until August.  In the meantime they do have some fun fall excursions planned.  Check out their website at www.odcnrhs.org, and save a seat for us!

LibbY