Joulies

Joulies are a fictional concept originating from the children's book "The Polar Express" by Chris Van Allsburg. In the story, joulies are described as small, magical objects that are essentially the physical embodiment of Christmas spirit. They are not explicitly defined in terms of appearance, but are understood to be precious and intrinsically linked to the joy and wonder of the holiday. The protagonist, a young boy, receives a single joulie as a gift after he is chosen to take the first train to the North Pole. He is told that the joulie will ring only for those who truly believe. The sound of the bell is described as beautiful and clear. The joulie serves as a symbol of faith and the intangible essence of Christmas. Later in the book, the boy's family can no longer hear the bell, which is explained as a consequence of his growing older and his belief in Christmas magic fading. The concept of joulies highlights the theme of maintaining childhood wonder and belief, particularly in the context of Christmas traditions and the magic associated with them.