My Favorite Christmas Eve Tradition

For as long as I can remember, The Polar Express has  been a part of our family tradition on Christmas Eve. It is by far my favorite tradition at Christmas.

The Polar Express was released in 1985, the year I was born. That Christmas, my Aunt gave our family a copy of the book that was accompanied with a bell ornament, and the book on tape, read by William Hurt. Since then, we have listened to The Polar Express every year on Christmas Eve before bed.

We all snuggle up in the living room, with the soft glow of the Christmas tree, and listen to the wonderful story. My Dad and I usually snuggled up with pillows and blankets on the floor, and my sister on the couch with my Mom. Mom always has the book with her, so she can follow along as we listen, and see the pictures.

As you can imagine, a cassette tape for 1985 has seen better days. They do sell copies of the book with a CD, but Liam Neeson is now the narrator. And while I'm sure it wouldn't matter to most, our family is partial to the copy with William Hurt as the narrator. One year, we even bought the CD to try it out, but ended up playing the cassette tape afterwards, because it just wasn't the same. Thankfully, Andrew came to the rescue. He was able to put the tape to CD for us, so we now have a digital copy of the story read by William Hurt!

It seems the story has become quite popular since the movie with Tom Hanks. But I'm partial to listening to the story each year on Christmas Eve. I actually haven't seen the movie, I'm afraid it will "ruin" it for me, since the story has such a special place in my heart.

I think it's a favorite memory for all of us after so many years. This year, I'm excited that Andrew will be joining us. But it is bitter sweet, because for the first time my sister won't be with us. They're starting their own traditions this year, on Phillip's first Christmas. But I'm sure Santa heard they needed a copy of their own to continue the tradition at their house.

I can't wait to get home tonight, snuggle up in my new Christmas pajamas, and listen to The Polar Express. Merry Christmas everyone!