The holiday season is in full swing. Last weekend, Thompson Falls presented its annual Christmas on Main Street and Trout Creek lit their town tree. This weekend, Plains will have its own holiday parade.

The holiday season is here, and we're feeling the cheer. The Ledger had a unique opportunity to join the Thompson Falls kindergarten classes on Montana Rail Link's Christmas Express train. We've been dragging our feet a little on decorating and really feeling the holiday spirit (a couple of us haven't even put up our Christmas trees yet). But stepping on that train all decorated and seeing the kids light up as they accepted their golden tickets was nothing short of magical.

Seeing the wonder in the children's eyes as Santa called them up by name or when they rang their silver bells while singing Jingle Bells was just awesome, and the whole experience was designed to inspire magic. Several minutes before the kids boarded the train, the Missoula Children's Theatre actors were excited and ready for caroling, giggling with joy as they waiting for the kids to arrive.

Christmas can be stressful, but on the Christmas Express this week we were reminded of the pure joy that comes from kids experiencing the holidays. Take a moment this holiday season to spread some cheer. If you need a little nudge, take one of the many opportunities to visit Santa in our communities. Watching the kids light up will put you in the holiday spirit, too.