
The Christmas Letter Express is a heartwarming holiday tradition that brings families and friends closer together.
In the past, people would write letters to loved ones by hand, taking time to reflect on the past year and share their thoughts and feelings. This personal touch made the letters truly special and treasured.
The tradition of writing Christmas letters was popularized in the 19th century by Queen Victoria, who sent holiday cards to her friends and family.
For another approach, see: Last Day to Order for Christmas Delivery
Common Themes
One common theme is the importance of staying connected with loved ones. In fact, 75% of respondents to a survey reported that receiving a handwritten letter from a loved one made them feel more connected. This is especially true for seniors, who often feel isolated and lonely.
Another theme that stands out is the power of nostalgia. Many Christmas letters share fond memories of past holidays, vacations, and milestones. This can be a great way to reminisce and create a sense of continuity with loved ones.
Tropes Found In:

Many stories feature the "Chosen One" trope, where a protagonist is destined to save the world. This is evident in the example of Harry Potter, who is revealed to be the son of two powerful wizards and must defeat the Dark Lord Voldemort.
The "Rags to Riches" trope is also common, as seen in the story of Cinderella, who rises from poverty to become a princess. This trope is often used to illustrate the idea that anyone can achieve their dreams with hard work and determination.
The "Love Triangle" trope is a staple in many romantic stories, where a protagonist is torn between two love interests. This is exemplified in the example of Twilight, where Bella is forced to choose between Edward and Jacob.
The "Fish out of Water" trope is used to great effect in stories like The Hunger Games, where Katniss is forced to navigate a world of luxury and excess. This trope is often used to highlight the differences between different social classes.
The "Damsel in Distress" trope is a common one, where a female character is portrayed as weak and in need of rescue. This is seen in the example of Sleeping Beauty, who is placed under a sleeping curse by the evil fairy Maleficent.
Talk to Kids About

Percy's determination to deliver the last Christmas letter is a great example of perseverance. He didn't give up, even when it seemed like a big task.
Families can learn from Percy's example and talk about why determination is important. Discussing his story can help kids understand the value of hard work and not giving up.
Bruno's desire to hang the decorations the exact same way as last year highlights the importance of traditions. Families can talk about their own holiday traditions and whether they think they need to happen the same way every year.
Some common themes that families can discuss include:
- Determination and perseverance
- Importance of traditions
- Value of hard work
- Importance of consistency
Sources
- https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/WesternAnimation/TheChristmasLetterExpress
- https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/The_Christmas_Letter_Express
- https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/thomas-friends-the-christmas-letter-express
- https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31499438/fullcredits
- https://www.animationmagazine.net/2024/10/thomas-friends-the-christmas-letter-express-chugs-along-with-holiday-cheer/
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