Christmas Trees, Trains and More - 2025

[Colorado Midland Modeler]

 

[Colorado Midland Modeler]

 

[Bruette]

Our Christmas begins with putting up the Christmas Tree in the living room by Thanksgiving Day. No decorations yet, but the lights a shinning bright! I also set up a train under the tree. This year like last year it is a Thanksgiving train.

2025 Thanksgiving Train Consist
• North Pole Central #1224 LionChief GP38 - Lionel 2034210
• 2008 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Boxcar - Lionel 6‑39309
• 2009 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Boxcar - Lionel 6‑39325
• 2012 Thanksgiving Holiday Boxcar - Lionel 6‑39359
• 2013 Thanksgiving Holiday Boxcar - Lionel 6‑25961
• 2017 Happy Thanksgiving Boxcar - Lionel 6‑83800
• 2018 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Boxcar - A Lionel uncatalogued exclusive only available through Macy's, no Lionel number.
• Christmas Illuminated Caboose - Lionel 6‑16547

Sorry no photos (yet) I was too tired and sore to get on to the floor.

 

[PMW]

2025 Thanksgiving Train Consist

Got out of work early today and went to the train store (of course). I saw some Lionel Christmas themed boxcars and couldn't help but think of you .

Sorry no photos (yet) I was too tired and sore to get on to the floor.

Funny, I'm so tired and sore I can't get off the floor

 

[Bruette]

I asked Microsoft's AI "Copilot" about the origin of the Christmas tree and here is the answer.

The Christmas tree tradition began in Central Europe, especially Germany, during the Middle Ages, evolving from pagan winter solstice customs and Christian “paradise trees” decorated with apples. By the 16th century, Martin Luther is said to have added candles, and German migrants later spread the custom worldwide.

Pagan - From the Latin paganus, meaning “villager” or “country dweller.” Early Christians used the word to describe rural people who still practiced traditional polytheistic religions. In its true sense Pagen does not mean evil.

Pagan Roots ​

• Evergreens as symbols of life: Long before Christianity, evergreen boughs were used in pagan winter solstice rituals to represent resilience and eternal life. They were believed to ward off evil spirits and symbolize the triumph of light over darkness.
• Yule traditions: In Northern Europe, evergreens played a central role in Yuletide celebrations, marking continuity through the harsh winter.

Christian Adaptation​

• St. Boniface legend (8th century): According to tradition, St. Boniface felled a pagan oak tree dedicated to Thor and pointed to a nearby fir as a new “holy tree,” linking evergreens to Christian worship.
• Paradise trees (Middle Ages): By the 12th–15th centuries in Germany, families displayed evergreen trees hung with apples on December 24, the feast of Adam and Eve, symbolizing the Garden of Eden.

The Modern Christmas Tree​

• Martin Luther’s candles (16th century): The Protestant reformer is credited with first placing lighted candles on a tree to represent the stars shining over Bethlehem.
• German tradition spreads: By the 19th century, Christmas trees were firmly established in Germany. German immigrants carried the custom to England and the United States.
• Royal influence: Queen Victoria and Prince Albert (of German origin) popularized the Christmas tree in Britain after an 1848 illustration showed them celebrating around a decorated tree.
• American adoption: German settlers introduced the tree to the U.S., though Puritans initially resisted it due to its pagan associations. By the late 19th century, however, it became a central holiday symbol.

Today’s Tradition​

• Decorations evolved from apples, wafers, and paper roses to modern ornaments, lights, and tinsel.
• The tree now symbolizes hope, renewal, and the Nativity, often topped with an angel or star to represent Gabriel or the Star of Bethlehem.

While our modern Christmas has evolved greatly. In my mind not much has changed. Christmas, like earlier winter celebrations still represents the triumph of light over darkness.

 

[Colorado Midland Modeler]

I was going to post these the last time I was on here, but that was the day the site wasn't working very well, so here they are today. To go with the photos of the engine, here's the Polar Express cars, all hand painted and hand lettered by yours truly. I took a little poetic license and gave each car a Christmas themed name.

 

[Bruette]

Budapest’s Festive Light Fleet Has Set Off!
On Friday evening, Budapest’s magical nine-vehicle BKV Holiday Light Fleet lit up the city as it departed from three different locations at the same time.
This year, the fleet includes:

6 illuminated trams

1 Light Cogwheel Railway

1 Light Boat

and the beloved Santa Bus
You can ride all festive vehicles with a regular ticket or pass—no special fare needed.

Operating dates:
The Light Trams run until January 6
The Light Boat runs until December 30
The Santa Bus runs until December 23
Wrap up warm, hop on, and enjoy Budapest glowing in its holiday magic!

Advent in Hungary with glowing trams, light trains, and illuminated buses – Last night, the first vehicles of Budapest’s Advent fleet set off from the Hungária depot in Józsefváros, adorned in festive lights to carry passengers along various city routes until 6th January. But it’s not just the capital – across the regions, MÁV and Volán are also launching glowing trains and light buses. We’ve gathered all the details in the article below. Budapest’s illuminated Advent vehicles run on regular fares The city’s fleet of festive trams, trains, and buses for the Advent, Christmas, and New Year season also launched yesterday in Budapest. According to BKK, these special vehicles turn journeys into a genuine experience for both children and adults. In addition to the traditional Light Tram and Santa Trolley this year, five more trams, cogwheel trains, and buses will run decorated with sparkling fairy lights. Each service runs from 4pm until late evening on various routes, which you can check on the official website. For instance, on line 2 – voted Europe’s most beautiful downtown tram route – the light tram will operate every Monday and Wednesday. Click and check out the video.

Continue reading at https://dailynewshungary.com/advent...apest/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook | DailyNewsHungary

 

[Bruette]

 

[Bruette]

The Advent Wreath is one of my favorite family traditions, so I decided to use Microsoft’s AI Copilot to explore its origins.

The Advent wreath originated in 16th‑century Germany among Lutherans, but the modern form was created in 1839 by Johann Hinrich Wichern, a Lutheran pastor in Hamburg, who used a cartwheel with candles to help children count down the days until Christmas.

Pre‑Christian Roots​

• Evergreens as symbols of life: Long before Christianity, people in northern Europe used evergreen wreaths with candles during the dark winter months to symbolize hope and light.
• Yule traditions: Pagan communities lit candles on wreaths during December to celebrate the return of the sun after the solstice.

Christian Development​

• Middle Ages: Christians began adapting the evergreen wreath as a symbol of eternal life in Christ, using candles to mark the anticipation of His coming.
• 16th century Lutherans: Families in Germany began using wreaths with candles during Advent as a devotional practice.

The Modern Advent Wreath​

• Johann Hinrich Wichern (1839): At his mission school in Hamburg, children kept asking when Christmas would arrive. To teach them, Wichern placed 24 small red candles and 4 large white candles on a wooden wheel.
  
  • Small candles were lit each weekday and Saturday.
  • Large candles were lit on Sundays.
• This practice spread through Protestant churches, later simplified into the four‑candle wreath we know today.

Symbolism​

• Circular wreath: Represents God’s eternity and endless love.
• Evergreens: Symbolize everlasting life.
• Candles: Each Sunday of Advent has a theme—Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.
• Christ candle (optional): A white candle in the center, lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, symbolizes Christ as the Light of the World.

Spread of the Tradition​

• Catholic adoption: Roman Catholics in Germany began using the wreath. By the 1920s it was firmly established in most Catholic Parishes.
• North America: The custom was spread by German immigrants, becoming a widespread Advent practice across many denominations.
• Modern times: The Advent wreath is now common in churches and homes worldwide, serving as both a liturgical symbol and a family tradition.

As a Catholic, I found the origins of the Advent Wreath both fascinating and a bit surprising, especially since it originated in Lutheran churches. God bless them!

With my grandfather being a first-generation Catholic German American, I became curious about how the tradition of the Advent Wreath made its way to Baltimore and into our family. So, I once again turned to Microsoft’s AI Copilot for answers.

Baltimore’s Catholic parishes embraced the Advent wreath in the early 20th century, weaving German and Lutheran traditions into local Catholic practice. By the 1920s–30s, wreaths became common in churches and homes, symbolizing preparation for Christ’s coming and marking each Sunday of Advent with candlelight.

How the Tradition Arrived in Baltimore​

• German influence: Since Baltimore had a strong German Catholic and Lutheran presence, the Advent wreath—originating in Germany—was introduced through immigrant communities.
• Parish adoption: By the 1920s, Catholic parishes in Baltimore began using wreaths in liturgy, aligning with the broader Catholic adoption of the practice.
• Family practice: The Archdiocese encouraged families to light wreaths at home, making Advent a season of prayer and anticipation.

Symbolism in Local Parishes​

• Evergreen circle: Represents eternal life in Christ.
• Candles: Three violet candles (faith, hope, charity) and one rose candle (joy, lit on Gaudete Sunday).
• Christ candle: Many Baltimore parishes added a white candle in the center, lit at Christmas, symbolizing Christ as the Light of the World.

Parish Customs in Baltimore​

• Liturgical integration: Wreath lighting was often paired with hymns like O Come, O Come Emmanuel during Mass.
• Gaudete Sunday: Priests wore rose vestments, and parishes emphasized joy at the midpoint of Advent.
• Community outreach: Baltimore parishes linked the wreath to acts of charity, such as “giving trees” and collections for the poor.

Local Heritage Connection​

For Baltimore families, the Advent wreath became more than a liturgical symbol—it was a domestic ritual of anticipation, much like my own train and tree traditions. Lighting each candle week by week mirrored the rhythm of preparing both spiritually and communally for Christmas.

 

[Iron Horseman]

This finally arrived, two years late. Another Lionel BTO (built to order) Legacy. This is a C&O F-19 prototype, obviously decorated for Christmas.
Headed over to be with the Polar Express, and the Jingle Bell Express E9 units (see RPO thread from two years ago).

It is a magnificent looking locomotive. Very hefty as Lionel Legacy should be. Having not run it yet, my only disappointment is the green paint. All the advertisements showed it as darker and more metallic and hence more noble. The brass work (paint again) is not as shiny as I would like. I can easily fix that as those are small details. This year though, I am behind. Normally I have the Christmas Forest at least laid out and planned, and over Thanksgiving Holiday pretty far along. This year I've not even been to the site yet. Yipes!

 

[Bruette]

Lionel BTO (built to order) Legacy. This is a C&O F-19 prototype, obviously decorated for Christmas.

Wow! That is magnificent!

I anyone wants to fully appreciate the magnificence of this locomotive, check out the product page at Lionel, wow!

Christmas LEGACY F-19 #1224

Manufacturer of model trains and accessories in O and standard gauges.

www.lionel.com

It even comes with Bluetooth, allowing it to be controlled through a smartphone app. To me, it’s worth every penny of the $1,299.99 list price!

Thank you for sharing it with us!

 

[Bruette]

Normally I have the Christmas Forest at least laid out and planned, and over Thanksgiving Holiday pretty far along. This year I've not even been to the site yet. Yipes!

Don't over work yourself, been there, done that. Christmas can have too much stress already. Do your best, I'm sure it will be great.

This year I decided I'll get done when I get done in my family room. I am making some minor changes that were a bit much for me to get ready by the first Sunday of Advent. I've decided to follow my late sister's idea to leave it set up year-round.

With a project as huge as your Christmas Forest you may want to consider using a space to leave it up year-round. Home Depot sells cheap plastic drop cloths. I already have mine.

My thought was to spend the time I save each Christmas on getting my attic trains up and running.

 

[Iron Horseman]

Wow! That is magnificent!

I anyone wants to fully appreciate the magnificence of this locomotive, check out the product page at Lionel, wow!

Christmas LEGACY F-19 #1224

Manufacturer of model trains and accessories in O and standard gauges.

www.lionel.com

It even comes with Bluetooth, allowing it to be controlled through a smartphone app. To me, it’s worth every penny of the $1,299.99 list price!

Ha! Add about $400 to that for the special paint scheme. And see from that picture what I mean about the green paint. I love that picture more than the locomotive.

 

[Iron Horseman]

With a project as huge as your Christmas Forest you may want to consider using a space to leave it up year-round. Home Depot sells cheap plastic drop cloths. I already have mine.

Yes that is the kicker. It has been and will be again this year, in the LOBBY of the gym. That lobby gets heavily used throughout the year for other things, so leaving it up is not an option. To leave it up I would have to move it into an a place I could Isolate in the gym. I thought about putting up a tent for it. But I can't find any tents that are 15' tall. With the ones I have found I would have to limit the tree height to 9'.

 

[Bruette]

If anyone is wondering, why my signature line reads "Happy Holidays" I'll tell you. "What, me, not have something to say?"

The idea came to me from researching the origins of our Christmas traditions.

While our modern Christmas has evolved greatly. In my mind not much has changed. Christmas, like earlier winter celebrations still represents the triumph of light over darkness.

I wanted to include those pre-Christian holidays, especially knowing that the word “holiday” comes from the words “Holy Days.” For me, Happy Holidays spans from the first Sunday of Advent and the Feast of Saint Nicholas through to the Feast of the Epiphany.

To learn more about the phrase "Happy Holidays," I once again turned to Microsoft's AI-Copilot.

The phrase “Happy Holidays” originated in the United States in the mid‑19th century, first appearing in print around 1863, and became popular in the 20th century as an inclusive seasonal greeting that covered Christmas, New Year, and other winter festivals.

Linguistic Roots​

• Holiday = Holy Day: The word holiday comes from the Old English haligdæg, meaning “holy day.” By the 1500s, it had shifted to mean both religious and secular days of rest.
• Greeting form: “Happy Holidays” was a natural extension of this usage, wishing joy across multiple holy days in the winter season.

Early Usage​

• First recorded in 1863: The Philadelphia Inquirer printed “Happy Holidays” as a seasonal greeting.
• Advertising boom (1930s–40s): Companies like R.J. Reynolds Tobacco used “Happy Holidays” in ads, e.g., a 1937 Camel cigarette ad proclaimed: “A gift of Camels says, ‘Happy Holidays and Happy Smoking!’”.
• Greeting cards: Hallmark and other card makers adopted the phrase by the early 20th century, cementing it in popular culture.

Religious & Cultural Context​

• Christian usage: For centuries, Christians used “holidays” to refer to the season of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. Thus, “Happy Holidays” was not originally secular—it meant joy across the whole liturgical cycle.
• Inclusivity: By the mid‑20th century, the phrase broadened to include Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s, and other winter celebrations, making it a catch‑all greeting.

Modern Controversy​

• Neutral greeting: In the U.S., “Happy Holidays” became common in retail and public spaces to respect diverse traditions.
• Debates: Since the late 20th century, some critics have seen it as secularizing Christmas, while others embrace it as inclusive.

Meaning Today​

“Happy Holidays” reflects both linguistic history (holy days → holidays) and cultural adaptation (covering multiple celebrations). It’s a bridge between Christian liturgical tradition and modern pluralism, making it one of the most widely used seasonal greetings worldwide.

After what I’ve learned, I’m even more pleased with my signature line. It’s great to know it’s an inclusive phrase. I want to share my Christmas spirit with all of God’s creations, because we are all His, and God doesn’t make mistakes. I only wish the holiday spirit lasted all year long. But like Frosty the Snowman said, "I'll be back again someday"

I’ve experienced humble, simple Christmases and others overflowing with abundance and feasts. No matter the circumstances, each one has been filled with Hope, often Peace, and always brimming with Joy and Love! Because the spirit of Christmas lives within me and always will.

No matter how you celebrate the winter holidays, whether with pre-Christian Evergreens, Yule logs, the Nativity, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Saint Nicholas, or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa, Happy Holidays!

By saying Happy Holidays, it is my way wishing Everyone the merriest of the Christmas season.

 

[Bruette]

 

[logandsawman]

As promised, a real Christmas Tree:

with our domicile in the background

When snow is good...

 

[ctclibby]

What kind of fertilizer do you use for those red, yellow and green cones?

L8r

 

[DeaconKC]

Merry Christmas All!

 

[Bruette]

Saint Nicholas is venerated as a 4th‑century bishop of Myra (modern Turkey), remembered for his charity, miracles, and protection of children. His feast day is celebrated on December 6, and many customs surrounding him inspired the modern figure of Santa Claus.

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Historical Background​

• Bishop of Myra: Nicholas lived in the 4th century in the Greek city of Myra. He became bishop and was renowned for his justice, generosity, and pastoral care.
• Miracle worker: He was called Nicholas the Wonderworker because of numerous miracles attributed to him both during his life and after his death.
• Council of Nicaea: Tradition holds that Nicholas attended the First Council of Nicaea (325 A.D.), defending orthodox Christian teaching against Arianism.

Patronage and Legends​

• Protector of children: One famous legend tells of Nicholas resurrecting three children who had been killed and pickled by a butcher during a famine. This miracle cemented his role as patron saint of children.
• Charity to the poor: Another story recounts Nicholas secretly providing dowries for three impoverished girls by tossing bags of gold into their home, saving them from slavery. This act inspired the tradition of gift‑giving and stockings/shoes filled with treats.
• Other patronages: He is also patron saint of sailors, merchants, brewers, and many cities across Europe.

Feast Day Traditions​

• December 6 (St. Nicholas Day): Celebrated during Advent, especially in Europe. Children leave shoes or stockings out to be filled with fruit, coins, or small gifts, echoing Nicholas’s secret generosity.
• Liturgical honor: In Catholic liturgy, Nicholas is remembered as a holy bishop who lived “not for himself but for others,” embodying Christlike service.
• Family customs: In Catholic households, St. Nicholas Day is often marked with prayers, small gifts, and stories of his life to teach children about charity and faith.

Influence on Christmas​

• Nicholas’s reputation as a gift‑giver merged with local traditions over centuries, eventually evolving into the figure of Santa Claus.
• His legacy bridges Catholic and Orthodox traditions, making him one of the most universally venerated saints.

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Microsoft's AI "Copilot"
Sources:

5 things to know and share about St. Nicholas

How much do you know about the man whose feast falls on Dec. 6?

www.catholicnewsagency.com

Ways For Catholics To Celebrate St. Nicholas's Day

December 6th is the feast day of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, which appropriately falls during the Advent season. This feast day is an especially exciting one for children as they count down the days on their Advent calendars in anticipation of Christmas Day. St. Nicholas of Myra...

www.catholiccompany.com

All About St. Nicholas | Dynamic Catholic

St. Nicholas was deeply in touch with the needs of his people. Out of this great generosity and thoughtfulness Santa Claus was born. Discover his story now!

www.dynamiccatholic.com

For more information

Saint Nicholas - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org