A Taste of Christmas in the Annex
On December 27, 1943, Anne Frank documented a moment of profound generosity and joy that broke through the oppressive gloom of the Secret Annex. In a time when the world outside was at war, she experienced a small, beautiful miracle: “for the first time in my life, I received a Christmas present.”
The helpers—Mr. Kleiman, Mr. Kugler, Miep Gies, and Bep Voskuijl (referred to as “the girls”)—had orchestrated a “wonderful surprise.” Their gifts were simple but precious in a time of scarcity, transforming a bleak holiday into a cherished memory.
The spread included:
- A delicious Christmas cake from Miep, poignantly decorated with “Peace 1944” written on top.
- A batch of cookies from Bep that was praised for being “up to prewar standards.”
- A luxury for the younger ones: a jar of yogurt shared by Anne, Margot, and Peter.
- A rare treat for the adults: a bottle of beer for each of them.
Anne’s appreciation extended beyond the food itself. She noted how “nicely” everything was wrapped, with “pretty pictures glued to the packages,” a small detail that speaks volumes about the effort and care the helpers put into making the day special.
This diary entry is a beautiful testament to the power of human kindness. It shows that even in the darkest of prisons, simple acts of generosity and remembrance can create moments of profound happiness and hope.