A train of thought on traditions
I recently received a response to our “question of the week” from a reader, who shared his favorite childhood Christmas gift: a 1950 Lionel toy train set that pumped real smoke from the locomotive’s stack. His memory sparked mine. Growing up, my father had a similar toy train set, which we set up around the tree every Christmas. My siblings and I spent the season giving our small plastic dolls rides around the track – always pushing the limits on how many toys could be added to the tops of the cars without causing a derailment.
I can remember that fragrant blend of electricity, grease and fresh pine needles like it was yesterday – though I haven’t seen that train in decades. When I called my father to ask about it, he told me it was boxed up in his attic, in need of rehab.
Perhaps someday I’ll restore it, but for now, I’m grateful for its place in my memory. Our holiday traditions may come and go, but their purpose is everlasting. They help make this time of year unlike any other.
In our first story below, Chattanoogans share their own unique traditions and how they find meaning through various winter holidays.