The Train is 4 inches long, 3½ inches tall and 1¼ inches across. Santa is at the wheel and waving to everyone he passes. The Train is made of wood and painted red and green with red and white hearts on the engine and the steam valve is red with green, white and yellow designs. There is a tan and green checker board on the side of Santas seat and the cattle guard is tan and white. Select this link to view our Santa Ornaments.
History of The Santa Claus Express.
The Santa Claus Express is a generic name applied to a number of holiday railroad excursions throughout the United States. Often sponsored by railroad museums and incorporating appropriately decorated vintage locomotives and cars, the Santa Claus Express may offer scenic tours beginning in late November and continuing through December. By other schedules, the Express stops at towns and villages along the line, at which time professional or amateur performers provide a Yuletide concert or show for citizens waiting outside. Select this link to view our Elegant Santa Assortment.
The Santa Claus Express also is a vehicle for delivering toys and gifts to underprivileged children, an example of which can be found in Appalachia. Since the mid 1440s on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, officials of CSX Transportation have furnished a locomotive and cars so that the Santa Claus Express could wind its way from Pikeville, Kentucky, across Virginia, and into Kingsport, Tennessee. All along the tracks, children and families gather, many having camped overnight to secure strategic positions. When the train slows at each whistle stop, children run behind as Santa, who addresses everyone as “darlin’,” and his assistants, who are local businessmen, toss candy, small toys, and other gifts into eager hands. Local merchants, some of whom were once among those children chasing the train, donate the gifts, which become the only Christmas presents that many children will receive each year. Select this link to view our St. Nicholaus and the Meaning of Christmas.
Star Ornament History.
Sparkling and twinkling stars have always fascinated mankind. Infinitely far away, they lead us through the dark night, as did the Star of Bethlehem that showed the Magi the way to the manger where Jesus was born. Traditionally, stars are placed on top of the Christmas tree to help us remember the significant roles stars have played in Christian history. As a symbol of guidance and faith, stars are one of the oldest Christmas ornaments glassblowers have created. Select this link to view our Santa Flying Airplane.