It was the holidays once again
The air was electric with anticipation
Everything was decorated for the season
People were  jubilant
Bright colors and lights were scattered around
The trains were running between two large cities on their usual run

This particular train was at the station
It was waiting for its passengers to board
It would be traveling north
To the next large city
It was early evening — around 6
The trip would take about 3 hours

For the season, the bar area was brightly decorated
Lights were even put on the outside of the train
The look was very festive

Passengers started to board
Dressed for the weather
In winter coats and hats
Many carrying packages
Some wrapped in beautiful paper

It was brisk outside
The air was crisp and fresh
Breath hung in the air like vapor

The train was readying to leave
Steam began rising
The whistle blew as the doors closed
Warning that the train was about to leave
Ever so slightly the train started moving away from the station

As the train made its way north
It started to pick up speed
The rhythm of its travel pounding
like a faint drumbeat to the ear
It was hypnotic and calming
Calling sleep to the listener

Faint music played in the background to set the mood

People were happy in their seats
Talking, some sleeping, some reading or on their phones
Others just watched the sights
Everyone glad to be heading north

Some were going home
Some only visiting
Every one excited about the trip
Anxious to arrive

After three hours or so, the train started to slow
It was arriving at its next stop

Passengers put on their coats and hats
They gathered up their belongings
As the train pulled into the station
the passengers lined up to leave

As people filed into the station they made their way out
Either to another train or to exit
Hundreds of people walked onto the street above
Creating a momentary crowd

Taxis arrived to take people to their homes or locations

Others decided to walk or catch a subway

Hotels were brimming with guests
Decorated in their best

The streets were filled with people
Coming and going
The air smelled of the holidays
Stores were crowded as shoppers reviewed their wares

A street fair was going on nearby selling homemade crafts from local artists
Coffee shops were brewing fresh coffee

The city was alive
Decorated in its best
Colors everywhere
Red, green, blues, gold, and silver

Street were vendors selling hot pretzels
Others with apple cider or hot chocolate

It was a beautiful sight to behold
This was New York at its best