Adams Media - Favorite Holiday Stories: Celebrating the magic of the holidays

Published in 1868 and set in New England during the Civil War, Little Women was an instant success, particularly with female readers. The Little Womens Christmas provides excerpts from the books first two chapters: Playing Pilgrims and A Merry Christmas, in which the little women remind us that even a penniless Christmas can be cause for celebration if it is filled with selfless generosity, love, and faith.

Christmas wont be Christmas without any presents, grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.

Its so dreadful to be poor! sighed Meg, looking down at her old dress.

I dont think its fair for some girls to have lots of pretty things, and other girls nothing at all, added little Amy, with an injured sniff.

Weve got father, and mother, and each other, anyhow, said Beth, contentedly, from her corner.

The four young faces on which the firelight shone brightened at the cheerful words, but darkened again as Jo said sadly, We havent got father, and shall not have him for a long time. She didnt say perhaps never, but each silently added it, thinking of father far away, where the fighting was.

Nobody spoke for a minute; then Meg said in an altered tone, You know the reason mother proposed not having any presents this Christmas was because its going to be a hard winter for every one; and she thinks we ought not to spend money for pleasure, when our men are suffering so in the army. We cant do much, but we can make our little sacrifices, and ought to do it gladly. But I am afraid I dont, and Meg shook her head, as she thought regretfully of all the pretty things she wanted.

But I dont think the little we should spend would do any good. Weve each got a dollar, and the army wouldnt be much helped by our giving that. I agree not to expect anything from mother or you, but I do want to buy Undine and Sintram for myself; Ive wanted it so long, said Jo, who was a bookworm.

I planned to spend mine in new music, said Beth, with a little sigh, which no one heard but the hearth brush and kettleholder.

I shall get a nice box of Fabers drawing pencils; I really need them, said Amy, decidedly.

Mother didnt say anything about our money, and she wont wish us to give up everything. Lets each buy what we want, and have a little fun; Im sure we grub hard enough to earn it, cried Jo, examining the heels of her boots in a gentlemanly manner.

I know I do teaching those dreadful children nearly all day, when Im longing to enjoy myself at home, began Meg, in the complaining tone again.

You dont have half such a hard time as I do, said Jo. How would you like to be shut up for hours with a nervous, fussy old lady, who keeps you trotting, is never satisfied, and worries you till youre ready to fly out of the window or box her ears?

Its naughty to fret, but I do think washing dishes and keeping things tidy is the worst work in the world. It makes me cross; and my hands get so stiff, I cant practice good a bit. And Beth looked at her rough hands with a sigh that any one could hear that time.

I dont believe any of you suffer as I do, cried Amy; for you dont have to go to school with impertinent girls, who plague you if you dont know your lessons, and laugh at your dresses, and label your father if he isnt rich, and insult you when your nose isnt nice.

If you mean libel Id say so, and not talk about labels, as if Pa was a pickle-bottle, advised Jo, laughing.

I know what I mean, and you neednt be statirical about it. Its proper to use good words, and improve your vocabilary, returned Amy, with dignity.

Dont peck at one another, children, said Meg.

It was a comfortable old room, though the carpet was faded and the furniture was plain, for a good picture or two hung on the walls, books filled the recesses, chrysanthemums and Christmas roses bloomed in the windows, and a pleasant atmosphere of home peace pervaded it.