Hot Cocoa and "The Polar Express"

I love a good cup of hot cocoa. I really, really do.

Makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside (hmm, just realized that 'fuzzy' is an odd term for an internal feeling, but we'll let it slide since it's an accepted phrase).

The cup also reminds me of Christmas-time back in elementary school, because we'd visit the school library and watch a slideshow with an audio-cassette that read The Polar Express book to the class.

Does that sound familiar to anyone? It was the version where the audio-cassette would make a beep sound when you needed to change to the next slide. And let me tell you, it was a big honor to get to be the kid in charge of clicking to the next slide. I can't recall if I ever had that opportunity, but if I did, I assure you I was on cloud nine the rest of the week.

Maybe that version is out of print now, because I couldn't find a digital copy online. There were a couple mixed-media items on eBay, but I'm hesitant to buy it without knowing it's the right set. 

Anyway, my favorite part of the audio-cassette was the page about how the kids on the train were given hot cocoa. After that page's text was read, but before the beep, a server on the train sang "Hot cocoa cocoa cocoa! Hot cocoa cocoa cocoa!" Not sure why, but I absolutely loved that part.

So each time I make hot cocoa, whether at work or home or camping or wherever, that little tune pops in my head. Would you like a cup? I'll even sing the song to you when I deliver your warm beverage.