One can't let the season go by without enjoying the "Polar Express." We had yet to watch it this year, so much to all of my little train enthusiasts delight, we made an entire day out of it!
They colored train shapes, painted salt dough train and elf hat ornaments, played trains, read the The Polar Express and watched the movie (The Polar Express (Widescreen Edition)) while enjoying popcorn and M & M's.
The salt dough ornaments turned out great, except the kids used A LOT of paint causing the dough to get soggy.
The kids talked me into Thomas Wooden Railway - Santa's Little Engine
Surprisingly, there have been no fights over who's turn it is to play with it.
Next year, I'd like to have the kids decorate their own "train cars" (using used paper boxes) and have them sit in them during the movie. It would make an adorable group daycare photo and provide them with lots of imaginative playing. Storing this idea away for next season!