We listened to this today while the kids cracked pecans and I made lunch. It’s the chapter about Christmas from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. I’ve read the book a few times, but I don’t remember the part about the girls finding their present under their pillow. It sounds like it was the Bible, “the beautiful old story of the best life ever lived” as it says at the :45 second mark. The book is “a true guide for every pilgrim.” I also don’t remember ever noticing that Meg and Jo decide to read it every day first thing in the morning. That’s a great gift to give ourselves every day! I’ve been reading the scriptures first thing with my family for a few years now. I know it makes a huge difference in the rest of my day!

This Christmas story from Little Women is so sweet because it involves all the elements of a truly nourishing Christmas: remembering Jesus, “the best life ever lived,” sacrificing for others who are less fortunate, being with your family, eating yummy food, creating your own entertainment as a family through song and story, and receiving gifts. Most years at Christmas, our family entertainment has been visiting with each other. Maybe some day I can get the kids to perform a play like the Little Women do. I love how the March girls give away their breakfast food to a sick, pregnant mother and her starving children. Then the March girls get a fancy dinner from their rich neighbor, Mr. Lawrence. A great example of the give/receive cycle that is always working in life, and especially at Christmas.