The LGB train

This might be the last Christmas related post of the year. My father sent me many pictures of the Christmas tree via Dropbox, among them these two. I think this might actually be the thing I miss most about the the family's Christmas tree: the LGB model train at its base. It is by far the most loved and enduring Christmas present my brothers and I ever had.

This is more than an elaborate ornament: the train and what has been added through the years as part of its surroundings is a complete seasonal ecosystem. There used to be only the train and a few houses made of fabrics my father bought at a Christmas fair. Now there is a Playmobil station, a few extra houses, a water tank, a while menagerie made of sheep, lamas, one Scottish ox, dogs, three teddy bears and so on, also a whole staff of railway workers and now passengers. It is truly a game for all ages and I have no shame playing with it as if I was still a child, inventing adventures for the characters on display. Next time I will be home, I will ask my father if we can put the train on display for my godson and his sister. You know, so they can enjoy it too.