The setting is a little village near the North Sea in Holland. Snow has blown in from the northwest overnight, reflecting brightly in the light this Christmas morning.

Twins, Anneke and Hans are up early and will be heading to a church service with their parents. Fortunately, they'll only have to walk a few blocks as it would be too slippery to ride bikes.

In Holland, Christmas is celebrated over two days, December 25th and 26th. Christmas eve or the morning of the 25th is reserved for church services. Children receive most of their gifts on a separate day just for them - the eve or day of Sinterklaas, December 6th. This frees up the 24th and 25th for family visits with good food and many toasts.

Hans and Anneke are each dressed in snow pants, jacket, cap, scarf and gloves; it takes a while to get ready for the trek. Ma and Pa are wearing their long heavy coats, each with a scarf wrapped several times around their neck; gloves completing their outfits.

Just when they step out the front door they see the surprise Pa has waiting for them: he's brought their sleds from the shed out back to the sidewalk in front, and both children will be getting a ride to church pulled by their parents. This is a real treat as on school days the kids must trudge through the snow in their boots.

Anneke and Hans Celebrate Christmas (at church)

Article and photo of kids being pulled on a sled by Susan Helene Kramer; the characters in this story are fictional, but the setting is true to life.

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For offline reading

Short Meditation Stories with Twins Anneke and Hans
Enjoy these 8 little meditation stories with Anneke, Hans, and friends learning meditation techniques that will stick with you like mother's pancakes and syrup on Sunday morning. Illustrated with photos of North Holland. 28 pages.

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Meditation for all Kids
Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.