Little Women

On a snowy December evening, four sisters sat by the fire. They were knitting and talking about Christmas. Jo said Christmas would not feel right without presents. Meg wished for a new dress. Amy wanted pretty things like other girls had. But sweet Beth reminded them they still had each other. Their father was far away, and they missed him very much.

Each sister had one dollar to spend on herself. Jo wanted a book, Beth wanted new music, and Amy wanted drawing pencils. Meg just wanted something nice. But their mother had asked them to give up presents this year. They talked and played and practiced a silly play together. Soon they were all laughing and having fun.

Then their mother came home with a letter from Father! The girls gathered close to hear his words. He told them to be brave and kind. The sisters felt warm inside and wanted to try their best. That night they sang songs together around the old piano. It was cozy and lovely, just like always.

On Christmas morning, Jo was the first one awake. There were no stockings this year, but she found a surprise under her pillow. It was a small red book, a special gift from Marmee. Soon all four sisters were sitting together, each with her own little book in a pretty color. They decided to read from their books every morning, just like they used to do.

When the girls went to thank Marmee, she was already out helping someone in need. The sisters gave each other sweet homemade presents and hugs. Then Marmee came home with news about a poor family nearby. A mother and her six children had no food and no warm fire. Would the girls share their yummy breakfast? After thinking for just a moment, they all said yes! They carried their food through the snowy streets and fed the hungry children. The mother called them little angels. The March sisters came home feeling happy and warm inside, even though they only had bread and milk for themselves.

That night they put on a silly play and laughed so hard. Then a wonderful surprise appeared on the supper table. There were treats and flowers from kind old Mister Laurence next door. It was a very merry Christmas indeed.