Saturday, Dec. 6, was cold, wet and miserable in Owls Head. A plane was leaving in the morning that needed fuel in the rain and another came in late in the day for which we handled luggage and took care of the passengers. While it wasn’t a particularly busy day, it was still miserable to be outside. As the day drew to a close, all I wanted was a hot shower and to relax in a recliner with a cold beer before a fire. But, I had other responsibilities. This was my second night as a conductor on the Jingle Bell Express train for the Rockland Kiwanis. After a shower and change of clothes, I still wasn’t into it, but I made a commitment and had to follow through.

On the short drive from Owls Head to the south end of Rockland, I told myself that as soon as I saw those kids, I’d be OK. I was. There is something magic about kids and Christmas. I had to check on a couple of things while I waited for the train to return and seeing the kids and adults in line immediately fired me up. It didn’t take long before I was wishing for the train to return so that I could get into the conductor role.

This is just such a fun thing to do. Yes, it raises money for Kiwanis and the scholarships and other good things they do, but more than that, it’s just plain fun to be a part of. The kids and some adults show up in their pajamas with excitement in their eyes. When their car is called, they run to the door and present their tickets.

Once everyone is on board, the train slowly moves out of the station on the way to the North Pole.

The conductors read the story of The Polar Express as the train moves through the darkness.

After the story and before we reach the North Pole, I go through the car and punch the tickets. The kids are so excited and hold their ticket up to be punched as parents and other family takes pictures.

The scene at the North Pole is special. The folks there do an awesome job with activities going on everywhere for the train riders to enjoy. While the train idles at the North Pole, Santa, Mrs. Claus and two elves come through the train. As the conductor, I announce that a special guest is coming on the train and the kids get excited. As Santa greets every child, the elves give them each a bell.

After our stop at the North Pole, we slowly head back to the station and it’s time for Christmas carols.

I ask a child to pick a song from the song sheet and start it off. One by one, we go through the carols on the song sheet and we even get the most stodgy adults singing along. It’s just a magical event. That’s all I can say to describe it.

For me, it’s a little bit of a letdown when we get back to the station and my passengers get off the train for cocoa and cookies, but it’s all good.

Having done this before, I do my best to be prepared. As we began the trip back from the North Pole on one of the trips this year, a young boy got my attention. He held up his bell with sad eyes and shook it, but it made no sound. He looked at me and said, “I really do believe.”

I had a bell in my pocket and when I swapped it with his, his eyes lit up and it made my night.

At the beginning of every trip I ask, “Where is the spirit of Christmas?”

The adults never reply, but there’s always a child that says, “It’s in your heart!”

At the end of the trip, I ask the question again and most of the car answers, “It’s in your heart.”

Have a blessed Christmas season. Don’t buy into the stress of shopping, company, hosting parties and all that other stuff that can drive you crazy. Do those things, but do them with a happy heart because you have family and friends and you’re doing them in the spirit of Christmas.

Remember, the spirit of Christmas is in your heart. Merry Christmas to all.