6 . For many of us, it is not easy to feel inspired by the artworks that we see at museums. Here are some tips on how to create that meaningful connection.

Keep an open mind

Once you are in an art museum, try not to have any ideas about what you’re about to see.     1     . You can love it. You can hate it. Just tell yourself that it’s OK.

Draw personal connections to the art

When you see an artwork, just let your mind wander and follow your thought wherever it leads you.     2     . As a result, a deep connection will happen.

    3    

You can increase the chances of finding an art piece you connect with by going to a museum that interests you. If you’re interested in climate change, for example, you may pick a museum that’s showing artworks inspired by Earth conservation.

Really “look at” the art

After you have found an artwork you like, take time to observe it closely. You can take a finger to the air and follow the outline of the figure or the movement of the brushstrokes.     4     .

Keep your museum visit short and focused

Art museums can be huge. So be realistic about how long you can spend at the museum.     5     . After that, it’s hard to stay focused and understand what you’ve seen.

7 . A series of trains between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day add extra fun, especially for families. Here are four holiday trips to celebrate the season. All aboard!

Cascade Canyon Winter Train

This memorable five-hour steam (蒸汽) train ride takes passengers through the snowy ops of the Rockies and remote wilderness of San Juan National Forest. Enjoy a fireside lunch or a hike along the picture-like Animus River during your hour-long stop.

Aurora Winter Train

This seasonal train heads north from Anchorage to Denali, America’s highest mountain. You can stop after three hours at Talkeetna to ski down the mountain or continue on for another nine hours to Fairbanks for some breathtaking northern lights viewing. Trains leave every Saturday morning, with return trips every Sunday.

Amtrak California Zephyr

Long-distance train trippers love the Zephyr in any season, but winter adds the attraction of pretty snow outside the window as you go over the Rockies. Departing daily all winter from both Chicago and San Francisco, the 51-hour journey offers hotel-level service in a bedroom with a private bathroom and shower. Or, break up the trip with stops to sleep and ski in Denver or Salt Lake City.

The Polar Express

The Polar Express, a Caldecott Medal-winning children’s book and Tom Hanks’ movie, is re-created in 40 Polar Express rides in 24 states, putting more than a million annual passengers in train seats. The story is read and performed by onboard actors, while Santa and dancing chefs who serve hot chocolate and treats add to the fun on the way to the “North Pole”. Most of the rides will take you to scenic places like the Grand Canyon, Mount Rainier, and the Catskills.