The Night of Doubt
On a snow-covered street, in the heart of a quiet Christmas Eve night, lived a boy named Leo. At ten years old, Leo stood on the perilous border between belief and logic. Sitting in his bed, wrapped in his blue pajamas, he waited to hear a sound that, deep down, he feared he might never hear: the tinkling of Santa Claus’s sleigh bells.
It was 11:55 p.m.
—Just one more year —he whispered, feeling the magic fade like his breath on the cold air of the room.
Suddenly, a sound. It wasn’t a delicate tinkle, but a metallic, vibrant roar. The house trembled.
Leo jumped up and ran to the window. The sight was astounding. Right outside his door, enveloped in clouds of white steam, a majestic steam train ground to a halt. Its steel body was black with silver details. It was The Polar Express.
A tall man, with a perfectly pressed uniform, a thick mustache, and a top hat, stood on the platform. He was the Conductor.
—Are you coming? —the Conductor asked in a deep voice, punching a golden ticket with a sharp clack of his perforator.
Leo, without a second thought, ran, opened the door, and boarded the Express.
The Journey North
The train car was an explosion of life and color. Other children, of all ages, laughed, talked, and watched the snow rush by. Leo found a seat next to a brave, braided-haired girl, and a small, shy boy named Billy, who gazed out the window.
As the train sped up, crossing fields, climbing icy hills, and passing through dark tunnels, the Conductor appeared in the aisle, announcing the most important refreshment of the journey.
—Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls! It’s time for some Hot Chocolate!
A team of acrobatic waiters, dressed in white, burst into the car, serving mugs of thick, sweet, steaming hot chocolate. Leo took a sip. It was the best chocolate he had ever tasted—a magical liquid that warmed every part of his body.
During the journey, Leo experienced many adventures reminiscent of the movie: he had a fleeting encounter with a mysterious wanderer on the roof of the train, and he felt fear as the train skidded across a thin, shimmering sheet of ice on a frozen lake. In every obstacle, the lesson was the same: perseverance and mutual help were stronger than any fear.
The Bell of Belief
Finally, the train stopped. They had arrived at the North Pole, a gigantic workshop of light and activity, bustling with elves working non-stop.
In the center of the main square, Santa Claus waited, surrounded by thousands of elves. To Leo’s great astonishment, Santa chose him to receive the first gift of Christmas.
Leo approached the imposing sleigh.
—What do you want? —Santa Claus asked in a deep voice.
Leo did not ask for a gaming console or a drone. Remembering the doubt that had pulled him out of bed, he looked at Santa and said:
—I want something that lasts. Something to remind me of this night, for when I grow older and the world tries to tell me to stop believing.
Santa smiled, knowing exactly what to give. From the reins of his sleigh, he unhooked a small, bright silver bell.
—This is the sleigh bell. It’s not just a toy. It is a barometer of the heart. Only those who truly believe will be able to hear its sweet sound —Santa said, and he handed it to Leo.
Leo shook it. Ting! Ting! The sound was the most beautiful and clear he had ever heard. He carefully tucked it into his pajama pocket.
IV. The Treasure of Tomorrow
The Polar Express returned him home before dawn. Leo lay down and slept soundly.
The next morning, he rushed to the living room. He saw the bell lying on the floor, near the Christmas tree. He sighed in relief. It was real. He eagerly shook it.
—Look, Dad, it’s Santa’s bell!
His father smiled. —That’s a very pretty bell, Leo.
Leo shook it again, but noticed the sound was different. His father only heard a dull, simple metallic clang. His older sister heard nothing at all.
Only Leo, only he, heard the clear, sweet Ting-Ting.
He understood then the train’s final lesson: belief, like dreams and security, is not something you are given once and for all. It is a treasure. You need to nurture it, protect it from doubt, and above all, remember it every day so that its value never fades.
And that, Leo told himself, was the best gift Santa could have given him.
A Message for Parent Guides
The journey on The Polar Express teaches us that the most valuable things in life—faith, memories, and the security of our family—do not materialize magically, but must be protected and nurtured over time.
Just as Leo must protect the sound of his bell from doubt, parents have the responsibility to protect their children’s future by making smart financial decisions today.
If you want to ensure your family has a smooth and happy ride into tomorrow, we invite you to board the next train, our:
