a "Little Women" Christmas
The first sentence of the first chapter of "Little Women" is, "'Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents,'" grumbled Jo, lying on the rug." The girls fret and fume and feel sorry for themselves during the first few pages. The Civil War is going on, and their mother says they shouldn't spend money for pleasure when the men were suffering in the war. During the pages that follow, the girls stop grumbling and decide to buy their mother something for Christmas. In chapter two, their Christmas presents from their mother are little copies of the Bible which she places under their pillows as they sleep. What better present to give someone than a copy of the Bible? "Marmee's" heart was definitely in the right place, and she even asked if her daughters would give up their special Christmas breakfast for a poor, starving family. When news of the sacrifice reached their elderly, wealthy neighbors, they made sure the girls received Christmas treats, i.e., ice cream and bon bons when they put on their Christmas play for the neighborhood girls. A Christmas they had grumbled about became a wonderful Christmas due to their change of heart. When we sacrifice for others, our hearts can't help but glow. Merry Christmas, everyone!
