by Shelley Bennett
As I made lists, shopped, and wrapped presents for my kids this Christmas, I was a little sad to realize there were no toys in my stash. Not even anything “fun”. I mean, I know they want clothes, perfume, and shoes, but it lacks the wow factor when opening gifts on Christmas morning.
In a last-ditch effort to bring back the fun, I braved Walmart during the rush and purchased three sets of Legos that did in fact, turn out to be fun. I vowed to search for fun items in 2025 to surprise them.
A few days after the festivities, I read that Britt Allcroft, the woman who created Thomas the Tank Engine, had died on Christmas day.
If you have a child over the age of 20, I would bet that you are acquainted with Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends Percy, Edward, Henry, etc. You’ve seen an episode of the series, read the book, bought the t-shirt, and you probably still have some the toys put away for your future grandchildren.
The irony of Allcroft’s death hit me square on the forehead and I remembered a Christmas in the early 2000s when Jacob and Landon woke up to see the train table under the tree.
They were both so excited and began playing immediately. The bins with their Brio trains, Thomas, and a Curious the George circus train were brought out and set up on the bright, shiny new table. As figures of trees and buildings added to the scenery, gift opening was put on hold for their imaginations.
The train table became a catch-all for other toys and Legos, Matchbox cars, and Beyblades found a home underneath. The surface was at the right height for coloring and craft projects, even convenient to hold a snack when needed.
Within a year, our train table had been colored on, covered with stickers, and after one memorable night, drizzled with Hershey’s chocolate syrup. (During Jacob’s nocturnal phase)
And it was played on. There was always a track being built or a trip to go on. Cities and circus grounds were set up, taken down, and set up again. These actions were often accompanied by sound effects.
It was conveniently set up close to the kitchen so I could keep an eye on the boys while I made dinner. They often worked together, peacefully most of the time, but there were some conflicts to iron out.
I once overheard our foster son gently admonish Jacob and encourage him to share with Landon. I still get choked up a little when I think about Dominic’s 6’7” frame, all elbows and knees, sitting next to our three and one-year old, train engine in hand.
The years passed and the trips of Thomas and friends became less frequent. Jackets, sports equipment, and backpacks covered the train table until one day when it was moved outside.
The boys moved on to baseball and basketball, riding bikes and exploring the river. The trains and toys were packed back into their bins and nobody asked what happened to their play area.
It was one of those lasts that happen quietly, when you aren’t looking for it.
Remember when news was ‘newsy’? When you read about weddings, family events and engagement announcements in the newspaper? If you have something that might be newsworthy, please submit it to [email protected] and I’ll do my best to include it here in “The Good Stuff.”
