This is a scene from the Little House on the Prairie tv show about a Christmas they had. The look on the girls faces is precious when they see their candy and their new cups but the look on Ma's face almost made me cry when she received her sweet potatoes.
"She looked up again when Ma gasped. And Mr. Edwards was taking sweet potatoes out of his pockets. He said they had helped to balance the package on his head when he swam across the creek. He thought Pa and Ma might like them with the Christmas turkey. There were 9 sweet potatoes. Mr. Edwards had brought them all the way from town, too. It was just too much. Pa said so, "It's too much, Edwards, " he said. They never could thank him enough." ~ Little House on the Prairie
I also really love this part of the book when the girls were looking in their stockings,
" Ma asked if they were sure the stockings were empty. They put their arms down inside them to make sure. And in the very toe of each stocking was a shining bright, new penny! They had never even thought of such a thing as having a penny. Think of having a cup and a cake and a stick of candy and a penny. There had never been such a Christmas." ~ Little House on the Prairie
All I'm saying is that even though we may not always be able to give our families everything they might want for Christmas, we have to try and appreciate what we have and what we do get. I like when I find little reminders like this video and these quotes to remind me that it's not the volume of what I can give, it's what it means to the receiver as well. To quote the cliche phrase, "It's the thought that counts." And I really think it is, and those that you give your homemade and well thought out gifts too will think so too:)
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
What a great reminder! Right now, I'm looking at a tree surrounded by gifts, yet what I'm really thankful for is the chance to spend this Christmas with my family!
We are in a position this year of being very poor & not being able to buy anybody in our family gifts, except for our daughter. I am hoping that our extended family will be understanding, but if not, God knows our hearts and I am so thankful for all that we do have. My wonderful husband and 4-year-old miracle daughter are all I need, as well as the best gift of all, Jesus!
Sherry I understand how you feel, we have been there before and you are right God knows our heart and thats all that should matter. Holidays can be so stressful it makes it so hard to enjoy.
Loved those books growing up and I think of their Christmases often when I hear about shopping madness, people being trampled or pepper-sprayed – just for stuff. They were happy with so little, compared to our lives. And really, I think we all long for simplicity. Merry Christmas!
love this
i am a big little house fan. and yes, when i saw your post on facebook, i thought of the penny. and then your post mentioned it!
I remember later when they shared their pennies.
ah, America has changed so much…
Merissa – this is my heart, too. That’s why we’re returning to simpler times amongst all the commericalism. It’s hard to imagine life without all the commericalism because you are indunated with it 24/7 before Thanksgiving. Thanks for this precious reminder. We are so grateful for all we have.
It’s been a long time since i’ve seen that episode. Little house is on tv here at 9am every day. If I don’t have to work I watch it. I wish they still made shows like that. Tv isn’t worth turning on anymore other than watching Little house and the Andy Griffith show.
The character of Carolyn Ingalls always impressed me, her gracious nature, her simple but elegant beauty, the faith and love she had for her family and community. Any descent man would give his life to have a mate like her. I know I would.
I LOVE these reminders of how spoiled we think we need to be! I am grateful for your blog, for the ideas & actual living of how to live well with what you have. It is a blessing to read your modern-day version of so many “Little House” principles. Thank you!
I’m a fairly newish reader, although it’s been awhile, but I’ve never gone through entries, and as I LOVE the Little House series, I had to comment.
That part of the book is one of my favorites because they were SO thankful for the little things. I love that, and I wish that kids now were that same way. But that part, knowing that Edwards had done extra and was kind…it tugs at your emotions.
It really does. Everyone’s hearts were in the right places here:)