Outside it was really cold and the ice on the lake had thickened just enough for skating.
"I think it's time to go ice skating!" Karl announced, trying to sound brave. "Hopefully I won't fall down too often this time..."
Gini laughed. "I second your last words." She couldn't skate perfectly yet, but she put on her warm clothes, laced up her skates and followed Karl outside.
The lake was alive with activity - penguin-like waddlers everywhere, twirling, sliding and occasionally flopping onto the ice with a dramatic thump. Gini carefully stepped onto the ice and slowly glided forward. Oh! It felt good. Better than last year! Much better! Soon she was skating in a big circle around the lake, twirling a little, feeling as graceful as... well, a slightly clumsy penguin who had discovered magic skates.
Then she noticed Susi, her little neighbor, sitting on the corner and crying.
"Hi Susi! What happened?" Gini asked.
"I keep falling," Susi sniffled. "Everyone else skates so well... I'll never learn."
"Nonsense!" Gini said. "You just need a bit more practice. Last year, I couldn't skate without falling either. But look at me now - see?" She held out her hand. "Come on, I'll help you."
Together, they slowly skated over the ice. Susi wobbled a few times, almost toppling over, but Gini held her tight. By the end, Susi beamed. "I think I can try on my own!"
But as soon as she let go, she slipped and landed softly on her bottom. "Penguin landing practice!" Karl whispered, giggling. Susi laughed too, realizing that maybe falling wasn't so bad after all.
Meanwhile, in the middle of the lake, a small performance was underway. Experienced skaters leapt into daring jumps and pirouettes, spinning like snowflakes caught in a winter wind.
Karl sighed. "If only I could do that..." He tried a few pirouettes himself, landing firmly on his bottom each time with a plop.
Gini skated up to him. "You two," she said with a grin, "why focus on what you can't do? Look at what you can do instead!"
Inspired, Karl grabbed Susi's hand again, and together they glided across the ice. This time, Susi managed a longer stretch on her own before Karl swooped in just in time to save her from another penguin-style tumble. Then Karl spun around, faster and faster, making tiny circles that grew smaller and smaller... until suddenly he was twirling like the pros!
Soon, all their friends joined in. They linked hands, forming a giant circle, skating together while singing loudly: "We wish you a Merry Christmas!" Penguins and other animals on the lake stopped to watch, smiling at the joyful, waddling troupe of kids. After circling twice, they released hands and skated crisscross across the ice, laughing and spinning.
The sun began to set, painting the sky pink and gold. It was time to head home, cheeks rosy and hearts warm. Karl waved at the lake. "I think we all earned a bowl of chocolate cookies after that!"
And so they left the ice, dreaming of snowflakes, pirouettes, and maybe, just maybe, a penguin-sized trophy for best spins.
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