It starts with the soft hiss of a train slicing through a quiet, snow-drenched night, the air shimmering with magic you can almost touch.
The Polar Express, a beloved holiday tale, sweeps readers onto an extraordinary journey where belief is the golden ticket and a young boy’s doubt melts into wonder. Clad in pajamas and clutching a steaming mug of cocoa, children are invited to step aboard this storybook locomotive bound for the North Pole, where adventure and the true spirit of Christmas await.
On the chilly night of December 3, the train metaphorically departed from Oak Lawn Community High School (OLCHS), 9400 SW Hwy, Oak Lawn.
Families gathered in the school’s Media Center for a Polar Express-themed Family Reading Night, inspired by Chris Van Allsburg’s popular 1985 children’s book. The free event featured a reading of the beloved tale, marshmallow-filled hot chocolate, a photo booth, and activity stations.
The night concluded with a special visit from Santa.
“It’s exciting to experience the festive environment the Media Center displays for children in our Oak Lawn community,” said Samara Yasin, 17, an OLCHS Book Club member from Oak Lawn.
“When it’s cold outside, it’s so nice to have the option for indoor kid-friendly activities like this,” Evelyn Mousa, of Oak Lawn, said who attended with her 3-year-old daughter, Maryam. “The Polar Express is a favorite in our house, so we definitely couldn’t miss this.”
Children were encouraged to wear pajamas to make the night as cozy as possible. Nestled in their parents’ or caregivers’ laps, they set the mood for winter fun just ahead of the holiday break and 5-year-old, Anastasia Brida, could not be more excited.
“I love, love, love the Polar Express,” Brida, 5, of Oak Lawn, said.
OLCHS educators and students collaborated to bring a touch of holiday magic to the event. Jennifer Faro’s Baking and Pastry classes crafted treats, while Mandy Marks’ Child Development classes made decorations and crafts. Jennifer Clark’s National Art Honor Society contributed decorations and souvenirs, and Janet Meyers’ iTeam Technology Mentorship class ran the photo booth studio. Meanwhile, student council and Book Club members helped staff the craft stations.
“Spartans enjoy volunteering for their community and showcasing the Media Center,” said Media Specialist Jennifer Sidlow. “I love everything about the event, especially the karaoke, and the green screen photo booth photos really looked amazing.”
Students shared Sidlow’s enthusiasm.
“I like volunteering at the Polar Express because it is very interactive and there is always something going on,” said Sara Alsheikh, 16, of Chicago Ridge. “No one is ever bored because there is constantly so much going on.”
The annual tradition, which began in 2019, was organized by OLCHS Media Specialists Jennifer Sidlow and Eileen Wholley.
“Our students loved the book as children,” Sidlow said. “An objective of the Oak Lawn Community High School Media Center is to spread a similar love of reading to all members of the Spartan family—students, staff, and community members—regardless of age. We encouraged the entire community to join us at our Family Reading Night event.”
As the evening wrapped up, the magic of The Polar Express lingered in the air, much like the steam from the storybook train. For the children, snug in their pajamas with cocoa in hand, and the families who shared in the festive cheer, the event was a reminder that belief—even in the smallest joys—can light up the holiday season.