It’s a tradition now—my brother and SIL, and my husband and I, take all our grands on a Polar Express or Christmas train ride (depending on who’s sponsoring it), sometime before Christmas. We make a day of it, they wearing their cute plaid pajamas, and the adults may wear a reindeer nose or antlers…all in good fun for our babies.
Typically our chickadees spend the night with us, and we have a special breakfast to kick off the special day.
A couple of years ago UPS came to our door, delivering our very own Polar Express electric train! Mr. CHN had “heard” my heart’s desire :). Now we could start yet another beautiful tradition for our babies—a train for the Christmas tree!
Now that we had the train, the theme for our breakfast was, of course, based on the book, THE POLAR EXPRESS.
While the chickadees were snug in their beds, Ata (that’s me!) in her kerchief in her apron was busy setting a magical table for their surprise the following morning! I used a soft, fuzzy blanket as the snow, with thoughts of the trip to the North Pole, through forests and mountains and wildlife. (The mountains and valleys were created with stacks of cookbooks hidden under the deep, deep snow.)
The train comes complete with a hobo and his campfire,
the conductor and the nameless boy, referred to as “Hero Boy” in reviews and book summaries, and…
a silver bell, which I am happy to report we ALL can hear!
When I was in high school I traveled to Europe with a group of friends, and one of the highlights was spending a couple of nights in a Swiss chalet in the mountains, where there was snow even though it was summer. It was my first experience with down comforters, which were an absolute necessity! At night we could see the tiny lights in the valley below, and that beautiful scene I believe will forever be etched in my mind. It was that memory that created the scene for our quiet, snowy village where the babies would have their breakfast.
Baby Love Chickadee had made this “snowflake” ornament, so of course it was included in our snowy scene!
The menu consisted of yogurt parfaits, served in the footed holly-and-berries bowls, milk in the bottles Ata decorated and saved from a snowman table (that’s another post, someday…), and yes,
TRAIN pancakes, with whipped cream steam! (The pancake mold is part of a transportation package from Williams- Sonoma.)
Sleepy travelers will soon be energized by the sugar high and the excitement of our adventure!
I hope this Polar Express breakfast inspires you to listen for the bell.
I still believe!
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From my nest to yours~
Zuni
How special to have a Polar Express train for your little chickadees...magical and I can only imagine the memories they will forever cherish!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
Blessings,
Cindy
Oh Zuni...I just love this whole concept here. What wonderful memories for these precious little grands to have and cherish for a lifetime! You have simply delighted my child-like wonder today! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding me? You even had train-shaped pancakes? Zuni, in my next life I want to come back as your granddaughter! What a beautiful table. It's hard to know which memories will stick in their minds when they get older. I hope this one does! I love everything, even down to the smallest details. Is that red rick rack that you used to tie the bells on their plate? What a clever idea! Can't tell you how much I love the entire concept. Mic drop.
ReplyDeleteThere are 3 little boys in my family who would absolutely love this. You are giving your grandchildren such a gift.
ReplyDeleteHow fun! What a great way to increase the wonder of Christmas. Your breakfast table is perfect for your theme of the day. I know you and your grands had a fun time and will treasure those special memories forever! Thanks for sharing your wonderful and creative ideas. Blessings~
ReplyDeleteKim @ Curtain Queen Creates
What a fun tradition!! Wow! Thank you for stopping by Little Farmstead. :) ~julie
ReplyDeleteMagical!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tradition for your family! The tablescape is amazing! I know your grandkids love it!
ReplyDeleteWow! What a delightful theme for a Christmas centerpiece.....I love love love how you recreated the pretty scenery! Must have been so much fun for the children :) Beautiful job! Happy weekend! Hugs, Poppy
ReplyDeleteMy dear Zuni, this is such a precious tradition! Your post warmed my heart, dear friend, and brought a smile to my face. Thank you for sharing with Roses of Inspiration. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI bet your grands don't know yet how LUCKY they are to have you!!! (They will someday though). This is FANTASTIC!!!! It made me feel like a kid again. You even had train pancakes! Love it!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun setting for breakfast! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!
ReplyDeleteOMG dulce amiguita! What a wonderful tradition you kept for your grandchildren as well. The train story is great and yes, I too learned right at Summer time in Austria's Innsbruck to cover myself for the first time with a down comforter! My grandgirls would love such a beautiful train.
DeleteGracias mil por el bello comentario para mi Maxima Juliette. Everyday she's bigger and a little chubbier, as her mama has lots of milk, thank goodness!
Lots of Christmas blessings for you pretty lady and your dear family.
FABBY
I sure miss your posts! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteI'm sure missing you!!! Hope things are okay.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
J
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ReplyDelete