Editor’s note: This is Chapter 1 of a 12-part fictional Christmas tale. Parents are encouraged to read aloud with their children.

The day that changed Anna’s life forever began at her favorite place: The Book Secret. It was the first day of Christmas vacation, and she was eager to find a few more books to put on her Christmas list.

As always, the first thing she did when she stepped into the small bookstore with the even smaller bakery was let her nose carry her toward the delicious scents of freshly baked snickerdoodles and peppermint cocoa.

“Hi, Anna!” The store’s owner and baker extraordinaire beamed at her. “How’s my favorite customer?”

“Great, Mr. Hinkly. What are you doing up here today?” He usually came in at dawn to start baking but manned the bookstore register during store hours.

“Well, Jessie is out sick today, so I’m pulling double duty.”

“I wish I could work here for you and help you out!” Anna exclaimed. “Just three more years until I’m 15. I know Dad would hire me at the store, but I’m really dreaming that you’ll want to hire me here.”

“I can’t think of a better person to help me run this place, Anna.” Mr. Hinkly smiled at her as he handed over her usual cookie order before starting her hot cocoa. “Expecting your sidekick today?”

“Yes, he should be here any minute.” Anna blew through the lid of her cocoa before taking a small sip. Right on cue, the bells on the door jingled and Anna’s best friend Tyler walked in. He was a year older than Anna, but they had been best friends since the day his family moved next door when she was in first grade.

“It’s starting to snow,” Tyler grumbled. He snatched Anna’s cup from her hands and took a big swallow.

Anna giggled and reached for the other cup Mr. Hinkly placed on the counter. She was used to Tyler’s seasonal grumpiness. He didn’t love Christmas the way she did, but he always put on a good show for his mom and 7-year-old twin sisters.

Five years ago, his dad passed away in an accident, and Tyler had never been the same since. He took being the man of the house very seriously, never once complaining about helping out his mom. He also stuck close to Anna’s side, insisting she never walk home alone and always participating in their joint family Christmas celebrations with a smile.

“Get ready — we’re supposed to get 6 inches by Saturday night!” Mr. Hinkly said as he loaded more fresh cookies into the display case.

Anna smiled, doing an excited little dance, while Tyler wore his signature scowl.

“You know what’s great about a big snowfall?” she asked.

“The fact that I’ll get to shovel driveways for hours and hours?”

Giggling, Anna shoved his arm, making him spill his hot cocoa down his chin.

“No, silly. It’s magic. The first time snow covers the ground, it’s covering the whole town in Christmas magic!”

Tyler snorted, shaking his head at her. “When Misty Creek fills with magic, pigs will grow wings and fly.”

“You’ll see, Ty. You’ll see.”

Misty Creek was always a charming little town, but it was especially magical this time of year. Anna loved so many things about the holidays. Her parents were great at making sure the season was filled with old-fashioned traditions like sled riding, baking cookies and Christmas movie nights. But they also made sure that Anna knew what the season was truly about — helping others. Each year, they volunteered at toy drives or food banks, and when they went caroling they always brought cookies to leave with the families.

It was a wonderful place to live and Anna had always known how lucky she was. Plus, on top of her usual excitement for the holidays, she couldn’t shake the certainty that this Christmas, something extra special was coming.

Read Chapter 2 in Thursday’s newspaper.