"Merry Christmas, little daughters! I'm glad you began at once, and hope you will keep on. But I want to say one word before we sit down. Not far away from here lies a poor woman with a little new-born baby. Six children are huddled into one bed to keep from freezing, for they have no fire. There is nothing to eat over there; and the oldest boy came to tell me they were suffering hunger and cold. My girls, will you give them your breakfast as a Christmas present?"

Yesterday was Louisa May Alcott's birthday, so I thought it fitting to honor her today.  The impact she has had on so many young girls' lives through her books is staggering, and Marmee, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy have become quite real to so many people.  Little Women has been made into a movie three times, and each has its flaws and brilliant moments.  I particularly enjoyed watching Katherine Hepburn as the impetuous Jo, but the 1994 version captured my heart with the lovely interaction between Marmee and her little women. At Christmas time I like to remember how simple the March family celebration was, particularly after the girls gave away their Christmas breakfast to a needy family.  As we prepare our hearts and homes for Christmas may we all take a minute to remember those who have so little and that the best gift of all is the gift of love.

 

From The Short Story A Christmas Dream, And How It Came True

Louisa May Alcott

From our happy home

Through the world we roam

One week in all the year,

Making winter spring

With the joy we bring

For Christmas-tide is here.

Now the eastern star

Shines from afar

To light the poorest home;

Hearts warmer grow,

Gifts freely flow,

For Christmas-tide has come.

Now gay trees rise

Before young eyes,

Abloom with tempting cheer;

Blithe voices sing,

And blithe bells ring,

For Christmas-tide is here.

Oh, happy chime,

Oh, blessed time,

That draws us all so near!

"Welcome, dear day,"

All creatures say,

For Christmas-tide is here.