During the difficult years of World War II, resources were scarce in many parts of the United States. The situation was particularly hard for the rural communities of Appalachia. Because of this, a group of businessmen from Kingsport, Tennessee, decided to lift spirits and express gratitude to their customers, whose support was vital in keeping the local economy afloat. In 1943, they teamed up with the local railroad company to create a ‘Santa Train’. With Santa and his helpers on board, this unique train visited the remote communities across Appalachia, stopping at each station to distribute Christmas gifts.
The Santa Train is now in its 82nd edition, making it one of the oldest Christmas traditions in the United States. This year, it travelled 110 miles through Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee. At every stop, people crowded around the back of the train, where Santa and his ‘elves’ distributed the gifts, making sure every child received something.
In 1943, the Santa Train was conceived as a gesture of solidarity, in line with the Christmas spirit of giving. This year, the Train extended its usual route to reach Erwin, Tennessee, to visit a community hit by hurricane Helene, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to hope and compassion.
1) What’s the best gift you have ever given to somebody? How did the person that received it react? How did it make you feel?
2) Do you believe in the ‘Christmas spirit’? And what does Christmas mean to you?
(Carlo Dellonte)
(Image: Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, 6 dicembre 2022 - Una visione ravvicinata di un antico motore a vapore del 1860, tutto decorato per Natale, in una notte limpida, actionphoto50, depositphotos.com)
