Set the Stage
Every good Christmas tradition starts with a little anticipation. Talk about what’s coming, build some excitement and let the kids imagine what the experience will be like. Maybe that means counting down to a favorite movie, baking a special recipe or, in the case of the 1880 Train’s Holiday Express, talking about what it will be like to board a real steam train and ride through the Black Hills with Santa.
Make It Feel Different
What makes a tradition stick is stepping outside of your day-to-day routine. Slipping into matching festive pajamas or cooking up an extraordinary breakfast can make the moment feel special. If you’re heading out on a Holiday Express adventure, elevate the journey to Hill City by making the travel time part of the fun — queue up a festive playlist for the drive or dress up in fun holiday attire.
Be Present for the Big Moment
Put down the phone for a minute. Slow down. Look around. Notice the kids’ faces. Maybe it’s the first glimpse of a favorite Christmas display, the moment the cookies come out of the oven or Santa walking down the aisle of the Holiday Express. Those little details are what turn an activity into a memory.