Bill Solomon is truly a man who "believes" in Christmas.

The Jim Thorpe native, who also works as a conductor for Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, has been bringing the movie "The Polar Express" to life for area children over the past four years.Most recently, he visited PathStone Head Start in Coaldale, Shull-David Elementary in Lehighton and St. Joseph's Regional Academy in Jim Thorpe to help ring in the Christmas spirit as students prepared for Santa Claus.Solomon, who is dressed in complete conductor uniform when he arrives at the school, brings a special experience to students."Seeing the kids' faces and the thrill they get with the 'Polar Express' story makes the holiday so special," he said. "It just gets me in the Christmas spirit so much and I like to share that feeling."Children receive "golden tickets," much like the ones in the 2004 movie, and get it punched by Solomon before they can begin their journey into the 'Polar Express' activities.Solomon also provides teachers with bells that are given out to students at the end of the activity.The small gold bell symbolizes the bell that Hero Boy receives as a present from Santa in the movie."This bell is a wonderful symbol of the spirit of Christmas as am I," Santa told Hero Boy. "Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart."Off to the North PoleSolomon got the idea of using his part-time job with the railroad to bring Christmas joy to children after his daughter's friend rode the Lehigh Gorge Santa Claus train five years ago.At the time, he had a few gold bells that he would give to children if they mentioned the holiday movie during the ride.His daughter's friend, who works at PathStone, approached him the following year and asked if he would be willing to visit the students. He happily agreed.During that visit, he punched tickets for approximately 100 children, who loved seeing the conductor from "The Polar Express" come to life. After that, the new tradition just seemed to grow, and Solomon is thrilled.When the Christmas holiday isn't in full swing, children can still catch Solomon working as a conductor on weekends between Memorial Day and Christmas on the trains in Jim Thorpe.With a twinkle in his eye, a welcoming smile across his face and a friendly "All aboard," Solomon surely helps make children believe in things adults seem to forget over the years.