Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents
What novel opens with the line “Christmas wont be Christmas without any presents”?
~ one of the Trivia’s questions ~
The answer is: “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott.
“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
“Little Women” is a novel written by Louisa May Alcott, which was originally published in two volumes in 1868 and 1869. It is not strictly a book about Christmas but it starts during the Christmas period.
“Little Women” book
Having a beloved book on the bookshelf makes our house more cosy. This is why I do recommend getting printed books. But if you just wish to read it, I also added links to audiobook, Kindle and on-line version.
Audiobook & Kindle Version
Little Women – Kindle
Paperback & Hardcover
The Project Gutenberg makes the book available for everyone for free.
“Little Women” movies
“Little Women” Quotes
“Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents,” grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.
“Be comforted, dear soul! There is always light behind the clouds.”
“I’d rather take coffee than compliments just now.”
“I like good strong words that mean something…”
“Love is a great beautifier.”
“When you feel discontented, think over your blessings, and be grateful.”
“You are the gull, Jo, strong and wild, fond of the storm and the wind, flying far out to sea, and happy all alone.”
“My child, the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning, and may be many; but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your Heavenly Father as you do that of your earthly one. The more you love and trust Him, the nearer you will feel to Him, and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom. His love and care never tire or change, can never be taken from you, but may become the source of lifelong peace, happiness, and strength. Believe this heartily, and go to God with all your little cares, and hopes, and sins, and sorrows, as freely and confidingly as you come to your mother.”
“You don’t need scores of suitors. You need only one… if he’s the right one.”
“…the love, respect, and confidence of my children was the sweetest reward I could receive for my efforts to be the woman I would have them copy.”
“Watch and pray, dear, never get tired of trying, and never think it is impossible to conquer your fault.”
“Beauty, youth, good fortune, even love itself, cannot keep care and pain, loss and sorrow, from the most blessed for…into each life some rain must fall, some days must be dark and sad and dreary.”
“There are many Beth’s in the world, shy and quiet, sitting in corners till needed, and living for others so cheerfully that no one sees the sacrifices till the little cricket on the hearth stops chirping, and the sweet, sunshiny presence vanishes, leaving silence and shadow behind.”
“I’m not ambitious for a splendid fortune, but I know, by experience, how much genuine happiness can be had in a plain little house, where the daily bead is earned, and some privations give sweetness to the few pleasures. I am content to see Meg begin humbly, for if I am not mistaken, she will be rich in the possession of a good man’s heart, and that is better than a fortune.”
“I am not putting the thoughts into his head, but helping him unfold those already there.”
“Jo had learned that hearts, like flowers, cannot be rudely handled, but must open naturally.”
“I don’t like to doze by the fire. I like adventures, and I’m going to find some.”