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An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving morning is here, and the Bassett family's cozy kitchen is filled with the hustle and bustle of the holiday. But this year something is different: Tilly, Prue, and their brothers and sisters have been left in charge of everything from the roasted turkey tothe apple slump. They tie on their aprons and step into thekitchen, but are they reallyup for the challenge of cooking a Thanksgiving feast?
In this stunning new edition of Louisa May Alcott's classic holiday tale, James Bernardin's joyous illustrations bring the spirit of a truly old-fashioned Thanksgiving to vibrant life.
In this stunning new edition of Louisa May Alcott's classic holiday tale, James Bernardin's joyous illustrations bring the spirit of a truly old-fashioned Thanksgiving to vibrant life.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1868
126 people are currently reading
1610 people want to read
About the author
Louisa May Alcott
4,055 books10.6k followersLouisa May Alcott was an American novelist, short story writer, and poet best known for writing the novel Little Women (1868) and its sequels Good Wives (1869), Little Men (1871) and Jo's Boys (1886). Raised in New England by her transcendentalist parents, Abigail May Alcott and Amos Bronson Alcott, she grew up among many well-known intellectuals of the day, including Margaret Fuller, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry David Thoreau, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Alcott's family suffered from financial difficulties, and while she worked to help support the family from an early age, she also sought an outlet in writing. She began to receive critical success for her writing in the 1860s. Early in her career, she sometimes used pen names such as A.M. Barnard, under which she wrote lurid short stories and sensation novels for adults that focused on passion and revenge.
Published in 1868, Little Women is set in the Alcott family home, Orchard House, in Concord, Massachusetts, and is loosely based on Alcott's childhood experiences with her three sisters, Abigail May Alcott Nieriker, Elizabeth Sewall Alcott, and Anna Bronson Alcott Pratt. The novel was well-received at the time and is still popular today among both children and adults. It has been adapted for stage plays, films, and television many times.
Alcott was an abolitionist and a feminist and remained unmarried throughout her life. She also spent her life active in reform movements such as temperance and women's suffrage. She died from a stroke in Boston on March 6, 1888, just two days after her father's death.
Alcott's family suffered from financial difficulties, and while she worked to help support the family from an early age, she also sought an outlet in writing. She began to receive critical success for her writing in the 1860s. Early in her career, she sometimes used pen names such as A.M. Barnard, under which she wrote lurid short stories and sensation novels for adults that focused on passion and revenge.
Published in 1868, Little Women is set in the Alcott family home, Orchard House, in Concord, Massachusetts, and is loosely based on Alcott's childhood experiences with her three sisters, Abigail May Alcott Nieriker, Elizabeth Sewall Alcott, and Anna Bronson Alcott Pratt. The novel was well-received at the time and is still popular today among both children and adults. It has been adapted for stage plays, films, and television many times.
Alcott was an abolitionist and a feminist and remained unmarried throughout her life. She also spent her life active in reform movements such as temperance and women's suffrage. She died from a stroke in Boston on March 6, 1888, just two days after her father's death.
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November 26, 2025
"To and fro, from table to hearth, bustled buxom Mrs. Bassett, flushed and floury, but busy and blithe as the queen bee of this busy little hive should be."
An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving, by Louisa May Alcott, circa 1882, has that same heart-warming Little Women vibe, and it transported me back to simpler times.
The Bassett family is anticipating their turkey and pie, but, as is usually the case, no great dinner ever comes off without a hitch, and hitches they have aplenty!
" "I do like to begin seasonable and have things to my mind. Thanksgivin' dinners can't be drove, and it does take a sight of victuals to fill all these hungry stomicks," said the good woman, as she gave a vigorous stir to the great kettle of cider apple-sauce, and cast a glance of housewifely pride at the fine array of pies set forth on the buttery shelves."
One of the things that struck me while reading this tale was the excitement the characters shared over the possibility of oranges arriving in time for dinner; a reminder to be thankful for the small things.
" "Here's a man comin' up the hill lively!" "Guess it's Gad Hopkins. Pa told him to bring a dezzen oranges, if they warn't too high!" shouted Sol and Seth, running to the door, while the girls smacked their lips at the thought of this rare treat, and Baby threw his apple overboard, as if getting ready for a new cargo."
As a child, I spent every Thanksgiving following my grandmother around her kitchen like a shadow. I wanted to lend a helping hand, but I'm sure I was only in her way. Yet each year, she managed (despite my "assistance") to put on a grand feast that left everyone spellbound. She passed her love of cooking on to me, and though she is gone now, I feel her with me each year while I prepare Thanksgiving dinner for friends and family.
An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving is a charming short story filled with love and laughter, and I wish all who celebrate a joyous Thanksgiving.
Many thanks to Julie, whose delightful write-up pointed the way. Julie’s REVIEW.
And the story is free to read HERE.
An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving, by Louisa May Alcott, circa 1882, has that same heart-warming Little Women vibe, and it transported me back to simpler times.
The Bassett family is anticipating their turkey and pie, but, as is usually the case, no great dinner ever comes off without a hitch, and hitches they have aplenty!
" "I do like to begin seasonable and have things to my mind. Thanksgivin' dinners can't be drove, and it does take a sight of victuals to fill all these hungry stomicks," said the good woman, as she gave a vigorous stir to the great kettle of cider apple-sauce, and cast a glance of housewifely pride at the fine array of pies set forth on the buttery shelves."
One of the things that struck me while reading this tale was the excitement the characters shared over the possibility of oranges arriving in time for dinner; a reminder to be thankful for the small things.
" "Here's a man comin' up the hill lively!" "Guess it's Gad Hopkins. Pa told him to bring a dezzen oranges, if they warn't too high!" shouted Sol and Seth, running to the door, while the girls smacked their lips at the thought of this rare treat, and Baby threw his apple overboard, as if getting ready for a new cargo."
As a child, I spent every Thanksgiving following my grandmother around her kitchen like a shadow. I wanted to lend a helping hand, but I'm sure I was only in her way. Yet each year, she managed (despite my "assistance") to put on a grand feast that left everyone spellbound. She passed her love of cooking on to me, and though she is gone now, I feel her with me each year while I prepare Thanksgiving dinner for friends and family.
An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving is a charming short story filled with love and laughter, and I wish all who celebrate a joyous Thanksgiving.
Many thanks to Julie, whose delightful write-up pointed the way. Julie’s REVIEW.
And the story is free to read HERE.
November 27, 2023
Easy 5⭐!!
Written in 1868, this is a charming story with beautiful illustrations that bring a huge smile to my face. A must-read Thanksgiving story about The Bassett family in New Hampshire. Thank you Darla for bringing the Youtube edition to my attention.🥰 It's under 8 minutes so you can still squeeze this in today. I hope to read the full edition next year. 🦃🍂
You can watch here: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving
Written in 1868, this is a charming story with beautiful illustrations that bring a huge smile to my face. A must-read Thanksgiving story about The Bassett family in New Hampshire. Thank you Darla for bringing the Youtube edition to my attention.🥰 It's under 8 minutes so you can still squeeze this in today. I hope to read the full edition next year. 🦃🍂
You can watch here: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving
November 17, 2022
An Old- Fashioned Thanksgiving by Mary Louise Alcott is an 1868 publication.
The excitement of Thanksgiving is in the air as preparations begin for the big holiday feast. Unfortunately, a family emergency leaves the Bassett children in charge of the festivities. They are determined- but can they pull it off by themselves?
What a sweet and cozy short story! This little gem has never shown up in my search for a Thanksgiving story, somehow. Heartfelt thanks go out to my dear GR friend, Tina, for sending me the link to this lovely story.
Times have certainly changed since this story was first penned, but coming together in times of stress, working together, enjoying our friends and family, and being thankful, are themes that are timeless, and endlessly inspirational!
Paying it forward- Anyone interested in this story can find it here:
https://digital.library.upenn.edu/wom...
The excitement of Thanksgiving is in the air as preparations begin for the big holiday feast. Unfortunately, a family emergency leaves the Bassett children in charge of the festivities. They are determined- but can they pull it off by themselves?
What a sweet and cozy short story! This little gem has never shown up in my search for a Thanksgiving story, somehow. Heartfelt thanks go out to my dear GR friend, Tina, for sending me the link to this lovely story.
Times have certainly changed since this story was first penned, but coming together in times of stress, working together, enjoying our friends and family, and being thankful, are themes that are timeless, and endlessly inspirational!
Paying it forward- Anyone interested in this story can find it here:
https://digital.library.upenn.edu/wom...
November 18, 2020
What a delightful little short story by the great Louisa May Alcott (Little Women). Originally published in 1882 in Aunt Jo's Scrap-bag.
It is Thanksgiving and the Bassett family is preparing for their big dinner when the mother and father are called away to visit an ailing Grandmother. The children are left alone to fend for themselves. They want to surprise their parents and prepare the dinner all by themselves. Some shenanigans take place but the children finally finish the meal.
It is a cute story of family pulling together in perseverance and love. It put a huge smile on my face! The story can be found for free at this link.
https://digital.library.upenn.edu/wom...
It is Thanksgiving and the Bassett family is preparing for their big dinner when the mother and father are called away to visit an ailing Grandmother. The children are left alone to fend for themselves. They want to surprise their parents and prepare the dinner all by themselves. Some shenanigans take place but the children finally finish the meal.
It is a cute story of family pulling together in perseverance and love. It put a huge smile on my face! The story can be found for free at this link.
https://digital.library.upenn.edu/wom...
November 16, 2023
As American literature this work is not particularly notable. Dialog is awful but maybe typical of writing in its period. However, from a social history and holiday customs perspective I found it really interesting. It was first published in 1868, the same year Alcott published the far more famous Little Women. Alcott is firmly from the romantic period and writing about a romanticized New England before her time.
The storyline is fairly ordinary. A large poor but happy family is shown preparing for the holiday. Word comes that grandma is doing poorly so the parents hitch the wagon and go to her bedside. The children, teenagers to babies, are left to their own devices to prepare a holiday meal. It involves mishaps aplenty but can be counted a success.
The book will appeal to Alcott fans, holiday fans, and 19th century American cooking fans. Thanksgiving may be about giving thanks, but frankly food is the star. I had a difficult time finding Thanksgiving books at all although there are some designed strictly for kids. Even those are much less common than for other holidays.
You may find Alcott a little “treacley” here but that connects to the cooking. I’m about to get out a bottle of molasses and try making what Alcott calls “Injun pudding.” The Native Americans that the colonists first encountered introduced them to corn meal which helped them survive. Cornmeal is still particularly popular in the Southern USA. Alcott uses another term for Injun Pudding, Hasty Pudding. Hasty Pudding was an English dish but used wheat and sometimes oatmeal. The cornmeal version is sort of a sweet polenta. Other foods of interest here—apple slump, a pastry covering over an apple. Shelling dried corn is mentioned. That involves hanging ears of corn to dry for a period and then using a “sheller” to remove the kernels from the cobs. Next step “popcorn.”
Like Alcott’s other family stories this is suitable for all, children to adults.
The storyline is fairly ordinary. A large poor but happy family is shown preparing for the holiday. Word comes that grandma is doing poorly so the parents hitch the wagon and go to her bedside. The children, teenagers to babies, are left to their own devices to prepare a holiday meal. It involves mishaps aplenty but can be counted a success.
The book will appeal to Alcott fans, holiday fans, and 19th century American cooking fans. Thanksgiving may be about giving thanks, but frankly food is the star. I had a difficult time finding Thanksgiving books at all although there are some designed strictly for kids. Even those are much less common than for other holidays.
You may find Alcott a little “treacley” here but that connects to the cooking. I’m about to get out a bottle of molasses and try making what Alcott calls “Injun pudding.” The Native Americans that the colonists first encountered introduced them to corn meal which helped them survive. Cornmeal is still particularly popular in the Southern USA. Alcott uses another term for Injun Pudding, Hasty Pudding. Hasty Pudding was an English dish but used wheat and sometimes oatmeal. The cornmeal version is sort of a sweet polenta. Other foods of interest here—apple slump, a pastry covering over an apple. Shelling dried corn is mentioned. That involves hanging ears of corn to dry for a period and then using a “sheller” to remove the kernels from the cobs. Next step “popcorn.”
Like Alcott’s other family stories this is suitable for all, children to adults.
Read
December 7, 2016Charming classic children's book for Thanksgiving by Louisa May Alcott
November 19, 2022
This short piece begins: “SIXTY years ago, up among the New Hampshire hills, lived Farmer Bassett, with a house full of sturdy sons and daughters growing up about him. They were poor in money, but rich in land and love, for the wide acres of wood, corn, and pasture land fed, warmed, and clothed the flock, while mutual patience, affection, and courage made the old farm-house a very happy home.”
This was written in 1868, so it was worth mentioning that, sixty years before, “there were no railroads in those parts to whisk people to and fro like magic.” Even the spelling in this short tale is archaic as we learn how a rural family managed at that time and place. Winter often comes early in the New England hills and the story is so detailed that we know that the only heat came from the oven and hearth and that when they went upstairs to sleep they woke in the mornings needing to break the ice in the pitchers before they could wash their faces.
The tension about Thanksgiving is provided by the mother being called away by her own mother’s illness so we are to hear about how the many children manage to prepare things in her absence.
The narrative includes observation about “now” and “then” including the following: Put the big kettle on, and see that the spit is clean, while I get ready. Prue obediently tugged away at the crane, with its black hooks, from which hung the iron tea-kettle and three-legged pot; then she settled the long spit in the grooves made for it in the tall andirons, and put the dripping-pan underneath, for in those days meat was roasted as it should be, not baked in ovens.”
Part of the charm of this tale is that Alcott seeks to compress everything that she has experienced or known about a Thanksgiving meal into this short piece. Another part is that her spelling is chosen to give the reader a sense of the unique accents and pronunciations in rural New Hampshire.
There were ways in which this reminded me of that good-natured book, Farmer Boy, by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It had much the same attention to the details of everyday life. Well-worth the short time out of your life if you are so inclined. https://digital.library.upenn.edu/wom... and many thanks to Julie for steering me to this gem.
This was written in 1868, so it was worth mentioning that, sixty years before, “there were no railroads in those parts to whisk people to and fro like magic.” Even the spelling in this short tale is archaic as we learn how a rural family managed at that time and place. Winter often comes early in the New England hills and the story is so detailed that we know that the only heat came from the oven and hearth and that when they went upstairs to sleep they woke in the mornings needing to break the ice in the pitchers before they could wash their faces.
The tension about Thanksgiving is provided by the mother being called away by her own mother’s illness so we are to hear about how the many children manage to prepare things in her absence.
The narrative includes observation about “now” and “then” including the following: Put the big kettle on, and see that the spit is clean, while I get ready. Prue obediently tugged away at the crane, with its black hooks, from which hung the iron tea-kettle and three-legged pot; then she settled the long spit in the grooves made for it in the tall andirons, and put the dripping-pan underneath, for in those days meat was roasted as it should be, not baked in ovens.”
Part of the charm of this tale is that Alcott seeks to compress everything that she has experienced or known about a Thanksgiving meal into this short piece. Another part is that her spelling is chosen to give the reader a sense of the unique accents and pronunciations in rural New Hampshire.
There were ways in which this reminded me of that good-natured book, Farmer Boy, by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It had much the same attention to the details of everyday life. Well-worth the short time out of your life if you are so inclined. https://digital.library.upenn.edu/wom... and many thanks to Julie for steering me to this gem.
November 29, 2018
Short, sweet and atmospheric 1868 holiday classic revolving around a large close net family, some interesting cooking ingredients...oh my...and a New England snowy winter setting.
Charming little children's Thanksgiving Day read. (my copy unillustrated)
November 20, 2018
”Sixty years ago, up among the New Hampshire hills, lived Farmer Bassett, with a house full of sturdy sons and daughters growing up about him. They were poor in money, but rich in land and love, for the wide acres of wood, corn, and pasture land fed, warmed, and clothed the flock, while mutual patience, affection, and courage made the old farm-house a very happy home.”
“November had come; the crops were in, and barn, buttery, and bin were overflowing with the harvest that rewarded the summer’s hard work. The big kitchen was a jolly place just now, for in the great fireplace roared a cheerful fire; on the walls hung garlands of dried apples, onions, and corn; up aloft from the beams shone crook-necked squashes, juicy hams, and dried venison—for in those days deer still haunted the deep forests, and hunters flourished. Savory smells were in the air; on the crane hung steaming kettles, and down among the red embers copper sauce-pans simmered, all suggestive of some approaching feast.”
A short story, 36 pages, and I understand there are illustrated copies of this that are classified as a story for children, to me this reads more like a story one might have read in a magazine or newspaper, which is more likely what it was written for. Published in 1882, this was originally part of a collection of six short stories, the Aunt Jo’s Scrap Bag series published beginning in 1872 through 1882, this tells the story of the Bassett family, the parents must leave to go see Mrs. Bassett’s mother, who is on her deathbed. The pies are all already made, and the children decide – at the urging of Tilly, the oldest daughter, to prepare the remainder of the Thanksgiving meal.
This is available for free on multiple sites, but is easily read by googling “Aunt’s Jo’s Scrap Bag, An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving.” It’s also available on kindle for 99 cents.
“November had come; the crops were in, and barn, buttery, and bin were overflowing with the harvest that rewarded the summer’s hard work. The big kitchen was a jolly place just now, for in the great fireplace roared a cheerful fire; on the walls hung garlands of dried apples, onions, and corn; up aloft from the beams shone crook-necked squashes, juicy hams, and dried venison—for in those days deer still haunted the deep forests, and hunters flourished. Savory smells were in the air; on the crane hung steaming kettles, and down among the red embers copper sauce-pans simmered, all suggestive of some approaching feast.”
A short story, 36 pages, and I understand there are illustrated copies of this that are classified as a story for children, to me this reads more like a story one might have read in a magazine or newspaper, which is more likely what it was written for. Published in 1882, this was originally part of a collection of six short stories, the Aunt Jo’s Scrap Bag series published beginning in 1872 through 1882, this tells the story of the Bassett family, the parents must leave to go see Mrs. Bassett’s mother, who is on her deathbed. The pies are all already made, and the children decide – at the urging of Tilly, the oldest daughter, to prepare the remainder of the Thanksgiving meal.
This is available for free on multiple sites, but is easily read by googling “Aunt’s Jo’s Scrap Bag, An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving.” It’s also available on kindle for 99 cents.
December 20, 2022
What a wonderful Thanksgiving story. Maybe some day I will read her book, Little Women.
because I love the way she writes.
When the girls mother leaves on thanksgiving day to her mother's house, the girls decide that they can prepare thanksgiving dinner. They didn't do too bad of a job, but nobody could eat the dressing since instead of putting in sage, one of the girls added wormwood. Well, that would be a disaster around here because I love the dressing the best.
because I love the way she writes.
When the girls mother leaves on thanksgiving day to her mother's house, the girls decide that they can prepare thanksgiving dinner. They didn't do too bad of a job, but nobody could eat the dressing since instead of putting in sage, one of the girls added wormwood. Well, that would be a disaster around here because I love the dressing the best.
October 11, 2016
Very sweet Thanksgiving story. After their parents are called away, the girls try to make Thanksgiving dinner without help from anyone. As expected when kids are trying to cook a big dinner the first time, a few things go wrong but dinner turns out well all around and everyone has something to be thankful for. If you enjoyed Little Women, you will enjoy this short story.
June 13, 2025
¡feliz de haber leído este libro para clase! sumamente reconfortante y cálido ❤️🩹
November 21, 2023
4.5🌟 One of the loveliest and livest Thanksgiving books I've read! I never knew that Louisa May Alcott wrote this book until my husband found it in an antique shop one day. Not only are the illustrations absolutely beautiful (and reminiscent of Garth Williams of the Little House on the Prairie books), but the story is also charming, down-to-earth and also a little silly (in a good way).
The Bassett family is very likable in this holiday story. I loved reading about all of the simple domestic details of that time and I'm happy to say that it will now be a yearly tradition for me to read this book. (Listen along to the audio book while you read and enjoy the illustrations for an added bonus!)
Note: The only thing that bumped the star rating down a little for me is that the conversations are written in a 'farm-stead' dialect of the late 1880s. But, if you don't mind that, I think you'll love this book!
Highly recommended!
The Bassett family is very likable in this holiday story. I loved reading about all of the simple domestic details of that time and I'm happy to say that it will now be a yearly tradition for me to read this book. (Listen along to the audio book while you read and enjoy the illustrations for an added bonus!)
Note: The only thing that bumped the star rating down a little for me is that the conversations are written in a 'farm-stead' dialect of the late 1880s. But, if you don't mind that, I think you'll love this book!
Highly recommended!
November 18, 2021
An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving, illustrated by Holly Johnson.
Originally part of Louisa May Alcott's six-volume Aunt Jo's Scrap Bag series - a collection of short stories published from 1872 through 1882, and ostensibly narrated by Jo, of Little Women fame - An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving is a "homey" tale, written in a colloquial style, which follows the story of the Bassetts, a New Hampshire farm family. When Mr. and Mrs. Bassett are called away the day before Thanksgiving, to the deathbed of Mrs. Bassett's mother, the Bassett children, at the behest of eldest daughter Tilly, set out to make their own holiday meal. The result is not quite what was planned, but a surprise arrival (or two) provides lots of fun, and a happy ending.
Unfortunately, although I am generally a great admirer of Louisa May Alcott, and have read and enjoyed Little Women (and its two sequels) many times since I was an adolescent, I found that this holiday story left me largely unmoved. I didn't care for the self-consciously "country" dialect that Alcott used, through her characters, and I couldn't work up much interest in the story itself. The black and white pencil (or so I believe) illustrations, by Holly Johnson, were apparently inspired by the study of New Hampshire farm houses, but although they may have been authentic, I found them uninspiring. All in all, this was a disappointment - all the more so since I was really looking forward to it, saving it for a "cozy" Thanksgiving evening read.
Originally part of Louisa May Alcott's six-volume Aunt Jo's Scrap Bag series - a collection of short stories published from 1872 through 1882, and ostensibly narrated by Jo, of Little Women fame - An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving is a "homey" tale, written in a colloquial style, which follows the story of the Bassetts, a New Hampshire farm family. When Mr. and Mrs. Bassett are called away the day before Thanksgiving, to the deathbed of Mrs. Bassett's mother, the Bassett children, at the behest of eldest daughter Tilly, set out to make their own holiday meal. The result is not quite what was planned, but a surprise arrival (or two) provides lots of fun, and a happy ending.
Unfortunately, although I am generally a great admirer of Louisa May Alcott, and have read and enjoyed Little Women (and its two sequels) many times since I was an adolescent, I found that this holiday story left me largely unmoved. I didn't care for the self-consciously "country" dialect that Alcott used, through her characters, and I couldn't work up much interest in the story itself. The black and white pencil (or so I believe) illustrations, by Holly Johnson, were apparently inspired by the study of New Hampshire farm houses, but although they may have been authentic, I found them uninspiring. All in all, this was a disappointment - all the more so since I was really looking forward to it, saving it for a "cozy" Thanksgiving evening read.
November 18, 2020
I love this type of story that harks back to simpler times when the most important things in life were faith and family. Louisa May Alcott wrote this story in 1881, but she set the story in 1821 in rural New Hampshire. It is a simple story of illness in the family at Thanksgiving time, and the children stepping up to try to prepare the Thanksgiving meal in their parents' absence. With all of our advancements today, we somehow still seek the simple joy these kids experienced working to provide an unexpected Thanksgiving feast for their parents.
April 28, 2019
RATING: 4 STARS
(Review Not on Blog)
This story is set in New Hampshire in the 1800s so this more about an American Thanksgiving (as are most books) but yet the traditions and sentiments are quite similar. Little Women is one of my favourite books and after reading this story I am going to have to reach further into Louisa May Alcott's works. I enjoyed this sweet story of a regular family in the 1800s getting read for the Thanksgiving feast. We get such a wonderful composite of the time and great characterization for a short story. In the library edition I read it also had illustrations by Holly Johnson that were incredible. It really fit the story. This is wonderful book to read with your kids on Thanksgiving and/or for yourself. I highly recommend this book. This is the sixth story in the collection called Aunt Jo's Scrap Bag.
(Review Not on Blog)
This story is set in New Hampshire in the 1800s so this more about an American Thanksgiving (as are most books) but yet the traditions and sentiments are quite similar. Little Women is one of my favourite books and after reading this story I am going to have to reach further into Louisa May Alcott's works. I enjoyed this sweet story of a regular family in the 1800s getting read for the Thanksgiving feast. We get such a wonderful composite of the time and great characterization for a short story. In the library edition I read it also had illustrations by Holly Johnson that were incredible. It really fit the story. This is wonderful book to read with your kids on Thanksgiving and/or for yourself. I highly recommend this book. This is the sixth story in the collection called Aunt Jo's Scrap Bag.
November 22, 2018
Originally published in one Alcott's short story collections, An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving is a pleasant holiday read.
In the middle of her Thanksgiving meal preparations Mrs Basset is called away with news that her mother is ailing. Left on their own her children decide to finish preparing the Thanksgiving feast.
Much humor and fun ensues.
In the middle of her Thanksgiving meal preparations Mrs Basset is called away with news that her mother is ailing. Left on their own her children decide to finish preparing the Thanksgiving feast.
Much humor and fun ensues.
November 25, 2024
A sweet and short holiday story!
November 19, 2012
A short, simple, yet nice story of a family Thanksgiving in an earlier time, when life was hard yet simple, when meals were basic, yet special. Where children would be left home along when their parents had to leave to take a horse drawn sleigh to visit a sick relative. Where these same children would take it upon themselves, in their freezing blizzard surrounded home to make a Thanksgiving feast. Where even the cooking failures led to smiles, and where it all ends happily ever after.
December 2, 2019
Every few years, I enjoy another reading of Miss Alcott's "An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving". It's always the perfect Thanksgiving read!
This time I enjoyed the edition which Jody Wheeler illustrated. It is a delightful picture book! I think the details of the story will stick in my memory banks better after seeing all the beautiful scenes.
I would definitely recommend this title for a quality Thanksgiving story. Read it with your little ones!
This time I enjoyed the edition which Jody Wheeler illustrated. It is a delightful picture book! I think the details of the story will stick in my memory banks better after seeing all the beautiful scenes.
I would definitely recommend this title for a quality Thanksgiving story. Read it with your little ones!
November 30, 2019
Sweet and sentimental in only the way Louisa May Alcott can be. This will be a holiday favorite in years to come.
December 19, 2019
Bought this for my library and couldn't resist reading it. Short and sweet with oodles of old fashioned charm. The perfect sentimental holiday read for warm fuzzies and apt seasonal coziness.
December 2, 2021
حكاية دافئة ومبهجة للقلب لعائلة منزل المزرعة السعيد والغني بالحب وبالبنين والبنات، في نيوهامبشير،
"up among the New Hampshire hills, lived Farmer Bassett, with a house full of sturdy sons and daughters growing up about him. They were poor in money, but rich in land and love, for the wide acres of wood, corn, and pasture land fed, warmed, and clothed the flock, while mutual patience, affection, and courage made the old farm-house a very happy home"
في اليوم الذي كانوا يحضرون فيه للاحتفال بعيد الشكر أصبحت تيلي مع أخيها إيف في مكان الأم والأب بعد ذهاب الوالدين لزيارة الجدة المريضة،
فكان على تيلي الابنة الكبري أن تهتم باخوتها الصغار، بتدفئتهم وإطعامهم، وعلى إيف الابن الكبير أن يهتم بأعمال المزرعة ويحافظ على أمان اخوته في المنزل،
تيلي وإيف جعلوا الصغار يعيشون في جو مفعم بالدفء والبهجة ، ويغرق في حلا فطائر التفاح،
وقررا استكمال تحضيرات عيد الشكر من أجل ادخال الفرح على والديهما واخوتهما الصغار،
فقامت تيلي ومعها برو أختها بتحضير الفطائر الحلوة وحشو الديك الرومي وطهوه، وتحضير غرفة الطعام التي أبقى إيف عليها دافئة بنار المدفأة المبهج،
حتى عادت الأم ومعها الأب والأقارب وأبنائهم بأخبار مفرحة عن الجدة،
ليجدوا مفاجأة ايضًا مفرحة ،
مائدة الطعام التي حضرتها تيلي مع أختها، ليعيش الجميع ليلة سعيدة ومبهجة ودافئة في عيد الشكر
أحببتها وابتهج قلبي بمشاعر الدفء فيها 💜💜
28.11.2021
"up among the New Hampshire hills, lived Farmer Bassett, with a house full of sturdy sons and daughters growing up about him. They were poor in money, but rich in land and love, for the wide acres of wood, corn, and pasture land fed, warmed, and clothed the flock, while mutual patience, affection, and courage made the old farm-house a very happy home"
في اليوم الذي كانوا يحضرون فيه للاحتفال بعيد الشكر أصبحت تيلي مع أخيها إيف في مكان الأم والأب بعد ذهاب الوالدين لزيارة الجدة المريضة،
فكان على تيلي الابنة الكبري أن تهتم باخوتها الصغار، بتدفئتهم وإطعامهم، وعلى إيف الابن الكبير أن يهتم بأعمال المزرعة ويحافظ على أمان اخوته في المنزل،
تيلي وإيف جعلوا الصغار يعيشون في جو مفعم بالدفء والبهجة ، ويغرق في حلا فطائر التفاح،
وقررا استكمال تحضيرات عيد الشكر من أجل ادخال الفرح على والديهما واخوتهما الصغار،
فقامت تيلي ومعها برو أختها بتحضير الفطائر الحلوة وحشو الديك الرومي وطهوه، وتحضير غرفة الطعام التي أبقى إيف عليها دافئة بنار المدفأة المبهج،
حتى عادت الأم ومعها الأب والأقارب وأبنائهم بأخبار مفرحة عن الجدة،
ليجدوا مفاجأة ايضًا مفرحة ،
مائدة الطعام التي حضرتها تيلي مع أختها، ليعيش الجميع ليلة سعيدة ومبهجة ودافئة في عيد الشكر
أحببتها وابتهج قلبي بمشاعر الدفء فيها 💜💜
28.11.2021
November 28, 2025
I wanted a Thanksgiving read, and this definitely fit the bill. :) It's a simple story, but sweet, cute, and perfectly appropriate for the whole family. Recommended for fans of Louisa May Alcott.
Side note: This doesn't impact my rating, but I thought it might be worth mentioning that I discovered the movie by the same title years before finally reading the short story. If anyone was wondering, the movie is only very loosely based on this short. In fact, I'd say it's more accurate to say that they simply share a title and setting, LOL. But both are still good stories in their own right, and the movie is also appropriate for families
Side note: This doesn't impact my rating, but I thought it might be worth mentioning that I discovered the movie by the same title years before finally reading the short story. If anyone was wondering, the movie is only very loosely based on this short. In fact, I'd say it's more accurate to say that they simply share a title and setting, LOL. But both are still good stories in their own right, and the movie is also appropriate for families
November 17, 2019
Very thankful for this wonderful book and its glorious illustrations.
November 22, 2023
I read this aloud with one of my sons as part of his homeschool curriculum. We both really enjoyed it!
November 5, 2022
3.5-4/5 ⭐️s. A delightful short story. I’ll be thinking of this one as I prep the traditional meal for house guests on Thanksgiving Day.
November 12, 2025
Sweet story for the Thanksgiving holiday.
December 1, 2022
A cute little children's story. Gave me a real Farmer Boy (Laura Ingalls Wilder) vibe. All the food descriptions! Don't read this when you are hungry, lol.
December 10, 2008
I have a string of Thanksgiving books that I read to my daughter and my second graders. These will be quick reviews based on the reactions of my daughter and students. I put the date the same for each book, but I really read them in the week leading up to Thanksgiving, and on Thanksgiving Day. Under the how many times I've read it category, that will be how many Thanksgivings I've used this book.
I didn't actually read this aloud to my class. It was just in the pile. The illustrations are amazing. I must find more by illustrator James Bernardin. The story is fine. Great for readers who love the Little Women and Little House stories. A perfect glimpse into the past. Narratively, it sure isn't as strong as Laura Ingalls Wilder's work. But the pictures are yummy.
I didn't actually read this aloud to my class. It was just in the pile. The illustrations are amazing. I must find more by illustrator James Bernardin. The story is fine. Great for readers who love the Little Women and Little House stories. A perfect glimpse into the past. Narratively, it sure isn't as strong as Laura Ingalls Wilder's work. But the pictures are yummy.
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