A Little Women Inspired Christmas

“Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents,” grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.

“It’s so dreadful to be poor!” sighed Meg, looking down at her old dress.

“I don’t think it’s fair for some girls to have plenty of pretty things, and other girls nothing at all,” added little Amy, with an injured sniff.

“We’ve got Father and Mother, and each other,” said Beth contentedly from her corner.” –Little Women

 

The opening lines of Little Women introduces us to the four March sisters and their struggle over the holidays. Their father is out fighting in the war and they have little to give and to get for the holidays. Like many children, they struggle with gratitude, just as all people do when facing struggles with finances or family. What is so beautiful and charming about Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, is that they overcome their circumstances to not only have a cozy and grateful holiday, but to also give back to those in greater need than themselves and while doing so they learn to appreciate the blessings in their lives that they missed while they were feeling sorry for themselves. Gratitude can change your life, especially around the holidays.

If, like me, you are a kindred spirit who loves the classic tale of Little Women, I encourage you to follow their lead for a Little Women inspired Christmas.

 

 

Give back to those in need

“I think there were not in all the city four merrier people than the hungry little girls who gave away their breakfasts and contented themselves with bread and milk that Christmas morning. ‘That’s loving our neighbor better than ourselves, and I like it,’ said Meg…” –Little Women 

On Christmas morning Marmee asks the girls if they would consider giving their breakfast away to a family down the road who does not have food. At first, they are a little disappointed to lose a meal they have been looking forward to, but they quickly pivot their thinking and find joy in the giving. they bundle up their food and goodies into baskets and walk to their neighbors to give them a beautiful Christmas morning. On the way home, even though they are hungry, they are happy and feel good for doing a kindness for someone else.

This Christmas I encourage you to find inspiration in the March family’s selflessness and find ways to give back to your community. Whether you donate your money or your time, every gift is appreciated and will also make you feel better about yourself. Some ideas would include donating food or money to a local shelter, soup kitchen, or community food pantry. If there is a holiday food drive consider adding some groceries to your list to drop off. You can make pies for a local senior home or donate your gently used winter coats and clothing. There are many ways you can give back, even if you have little to give.

 

Make The Most of The Winter Weather

“Everybody is so hateful, I’ll ask Laurie to go skating. He is always kind and jolly, and will put me to rights, I know,” said Jo to herself, and off she went.’ –Little Women

Make the most of the winter weather with outdoor walks (dressed warmly!) and with enjoying outdoor activities like ice skating. In Little Women, the girls often walk into town and you can take in the holiday decorations in your own home town or city. Like Meg and Jo, go to local theater events for the holiday season. Jo’s favorite winter activity is ice skating. Of course, the famous ice skating scene is highly remembered for Amy’s tragedy of falling through the ice. Practice ice skating safety to prevent recreating this scene.

 

Hand make your own Christmas decorations

“Not a very splendid show, but there was a great deal of love done up in the few little bundles, and the tall vase of red roses, white chrysanthemums, and trailing vines, which stood in the middle, gave quite an elegant air to the table.” –Little Women 

The March family home is described as modest, but also cozy and beautiful. For the holidays, natural elements like garlands, flowers, and other plants were used to decorate their home. I encourage you to bring the outdoors in to decorate your home for the holidays with garlands, wreaths, and other arrangements.

Consider making your own ornaments, garlands, and Christmas decorations instead of buying items. Make cranberry garlands or garlands and ornaments out of dried orange slices. You can also craft decorations out of paper, clay, and dough.

 

Intentional gift giving with love

“[Jo] woke Meg with a “Merry Christmas,” and bade her see what was under her pillow. A green–covered book appeared, with the same picture inside, and a few words written by their mother, which made their one present very precious in their eyes.” –Little Women

The March girls are told not to expect much that Christmas because of the war. Still, their mother Marmee gifts them each a book thoughtfully selected for them. The girls decide to cherish the books they are given and read from them a little each day. Christmas gifts do not have to be elaborate, expensive, or in high volume to be special. In fact, simpler and more intentional gifts thoughtfully selected for the giftee are more meaningful.

The March sisters at first decide to spend their extra money on themselves this year, but after a suggestion from Beth, they each decide to spend their little savings on a gift for their mother. Meg buys a new pair of gloves for Marmee, Jo purchases her mother new slippers, Beth makes handkerchiefs, and Amy gifts Marmee a bottle of cologne. Each gift was thoughtfully chosen.

When writing out your shopping list, write out the hobbies and interests of the people on your list next to each name. Instead of buying miscellaneous gifts, can you thinking of something each person has expressed interest in? Perhaps someone on your list likes to paint or has a favorite author or sport. You can find an experience or a material gift based on their interests. That way you are giving someone something they will actually like, use, and need instead of wasting resources.

 

Celebrate the holidays with gratitude

“Love casts out fear, and gratitude can conquer pride.” –Little Women

No matter your circumstances, there is something or someone to be grateful for. The holidays can be a difficult time for those struggling financially or with a loss and grief. I am not suggesting that those woes are not important. Money stress and the loss of loved ones or grief from other relationships like friendships and romantic relationships ended are difficult to bear, especially during the holiday season. However, even in our grief, it is important to remember the blessings we do have. There is always something or someone to be grateful for and that can make a world of difference to the way that you feel about yourself and the holiday season. If you are struggling, I am wishing you the best. It is my hope that gratitude can bring you some comfort.

 

Wishing you all a beautiful Little Women inspired Christmas this year. May your home be filled with love and your heart be filled with gratitude.