Chris Van Allsburg - The Polar Express: Gift Set

"The Polar Express" is a brilliantly written Christmas book for children of all ages. At a time when so many children are growing up faster than we ever did, childhood has become more precious than ever before. A Christmas story with a different angle may spark: imagination, hope, dreams. What a nice way to start the holidays by encourage reading and spending quality time with a great picture book and family.

The story is about a boy at Christmas time who questions if there is a Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, he listens for the reindeers' bells. Instead, he hears the whistle of a steam engine. Outside his house awaits a train: The Polar Express.

As the boy boards the train, he sees many other children. All are very excited to be traveling to the North Pole. When the train arrives, the elves and children gather, anticipating Santa Claus' arrival. Before Santa departs to deliver presents to the rest of the World, he gives one child the "first present of Christmas."

Of course, the boy is the chosen child. Santa tells the boy he can have anything he desires. The boy chooses a bell off of the reindeers' harness. The children re-board the Polar Express as Santa Clause takes off on his gift frenzy.

When the children ask to see the bell, the boy finds nothing but a hole in his robe pocket. Disappointed, the boy goes home. On Christmas morning, what should he find, but a box with a note from Santa. As the boy and his sister ring the bell, they realize their parents can not hear it. As the two siblings grow older, the sister no longer hears the bell's tone. The boy always will, for only the people who truly believe in Santa Claus, can hear the reindeers' bells.

The Polar Express transports you back to the time of your childhood. It is well-written and beautifully illustrated. I found myself imagining the train ride, Santa Claus, and Christmas morning as if I had been there as well. It sparked memories of past Christmases: the excitement, anticipation, adrenaline rush. It also brought back memories of Christmas story time, loved ones who have past on, and the love that was shared.

I read it to my nephew and son every Christmas. How many of us miss that grand excitement the night before Christmas? Waiting up for Santa's sleigh, just hoping to catch a small glimpse. Christmas has become the Christmas I enjoyed as a child now that I'm a parent. Reading this story, not only brings me back to those Christmas days long ago, but also makes me wish I still believed... Maybe I do, after all, who do you think delivered my son?