Picture from Barnes and Noble website

Rave: Christmas Note #12 — The Santa Train
I first heard the story of the Santa Train when I read Silver Packages, a picture book by the ever-prolific and extremely talented Cynthia Rylant. (See Barnes and Noble website for more info:http://tinyurl.com/7s2oq6j).

Reading the book inspired me to look up information about the real Santa Train — a tradition in Appalachia since 1943. The train runs a 110 mile route distributing toys and candy to needy families along the way.

Image from http://www.appalachianhistory.net

It’s a lovely story so I thought I’d share the link to history of the event. See below. http://www.appalachianhistory.net/2010/11/get-ready-for-the-santa-train.html

Photo from http://www.appalachianhistory.net

Things like this always remind me how doing — for lack of a better expression — a good deed can grow into something huge and beautiful.

So, how do you plan to spread Christmas joy? I’ll be making fudge, potato candy, 7-layer bars, and other goodies to spread far and wide — to my coworkers, the ladies who make my coffee, and whoever else crosses my path.