Windmills and wooden shoes

by Maude M. Grant

CHRISTMAS IN HOLLAND

It is Christmas Eve. Jan and Katrina have taken off their wooden shoes. They have scrubbed them white as snow, and they have set them down by the fireplace.

“We must not forget the white horse,” says Jan.

So, near by, they have placed a pretty red and yellow basket. In it are some carrots, some hay, and some oats. They are for the white horse of St. Nicholas.

Mother tucks the children in their funny Dutch beds in the wall.

They look very snug and warm. Their round cheeks are very red and their eyes are very bright.