From playful squabbles among siblings to acts of kindness that warm the heart, this section reveals the unique personalities of the four sisters. Meg longs for refinement; Jo dreams of adventure; Beth treasures quiet harmony; and Amy craves beauty.

Together, they navigate the joys and trials of life, creating a portrait of sisterhood that is as timeless as it is endearing.

This section sets the stage for a journey of growth, laughter, and the unbreakable bond that defines the March family.

Here are the chapters we’ll cover in this section:

• Chapter 1: Playing Pilgrims

• Chapter 2: A Merry Christmas

• Chapter 3: The Laurence Boy

• Chapter 4: Burdens

• Chapter 5: Being Neighborly

In Chapter 1 of Little Women, the March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—sit by the fire on a cold Christmas Eve, lamenting their modest circumstances and the lack of presents under the tree.

Despite their complaints, they resolve to make Christmas special by using their small allowances to buy gifts for their beloved mother, Marmee.

As they talk, their distinct personalities shine: Meg longs for luxury and refinement, Jo dreams of adventure and independence, Beth treasures quiet joys and harmony, and Amy desires beauty and admiration. Their banter is interrupted when Marmee returns home, bringing warmth and wisdom, as well as a heartfelt letter from their father, who is away serving in the Civil War.

The letter inspires the sisters to be selfless and strong, filling them with resolve to face their challenges with grace and love. This chapter sets the tone for the novel, introducing the tight-knit family, their struggles, and the values of generosity and perseverance that will shape their journey ahead.

MAKE CANDIED ORANGES

“‘Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents,’ grumbled Jo, lying on the rug. ‘It’s so dreadful to be poor!’ sighed Meg, looking down at her old dress…”

Despite the hard year, the March sisters made the most of their Christmas together. Candied oranges are a delightful Victorian-style treat that the March family in Little Women might have enjoyed as a luxurious indulgence.

“‘I’ll tell you what we’ll do,’ said Beth, ‘let’s each get her something for Christmas, and not get anything for ourselves.’”

Here’s a simple recipe to make candied oranges at home.

The March sisters awaken to a simple Christmas morning, their stockings empty but their spirits still hopeful.

Guided by their selfless mother, Marmee, they set aside their own desires to help a struggling family in need, bringing warmth and food to their impoverished neighbors.

Their generosity is unexpectedly rewarded by their mysterious and wealthy neighbor, Mr. Laurence, who sends over a luxurious feast that transforms their modest Christmas into a day of delight.

“You have done a good deed, and you may laugh as much as you like to-night,” Marmee says. As the sisters gather around the piano to sing and celebrate, they begin to understand Marmee’s lesson: the joy of giving is far greater than the joy of receiving.

Chapter 2 blends moments of sacrifice, surprise, and celebration, deepening the bonds of sisterhood and setting the stage for encounters with the enigmatic Laurence family next door.

MAKE YOUR OWN THEATER PROPS

“On Christmas night, a dozen girls piled onto the bed… and sat before the blue and yellow chintz curtains in a most flattering state of expectancy. There was a good deal of rustling and whispering behind the curtain... Presently a bell sounded, the curtains flew apart, and the operatic tragedy began.”

Recreating props and costumes for a theatrical production, as the March sisters do in Little Women, can be a fun and creative project. This tutorial will guide you in crafting simple, DIY props and costumes using affordable materials.

These include a crown, a sword, a cloak, and a mask.

Jo and Meg March venture into high society when invited to a New Year’s Eve party by their wealthy neighbor. Meg eagerly embraces the chance to dress up, while Jo reluctantly tags along with her mismatched gloves and slightly burned dress.

In the glittering ballroom, Meg charms the crowd, but Jo finds herself on the sidelines—until she has an unexpected encounter with Laurie, the intriguing boy next door.

Jo and Laurie’s instant camaraderie transforms the evening as they share lively conversation and steal away for a secret dance.

Meanwhile, Meg’s vanity leads to sore feet from tight shoes, and Jo’s protective instincts come to the rescue.

The sisters return home humbled yet closer, reflecting on the importance of staying true to themselves. Filled with humor and the first sparks of Jo and Laurie’s friendship, Chapter 3 captures the magic of youth and the enduring strength of sisterhood.

A GAME OF “BUZZ”

“They had a merry time over the bonbons and mottoes, and were in the midst of a quiet game of Buzz, with two or three other young people who had strayed in, when Hannah appeared.”

This game is both simple and engaging, making it perfect for a family setting. It emphasizes the March sisters’ ability to find joy in small, shared activities, reflecting their creativity and camaraderie even in humble circumstances.

The game involves players counting aloud in sequence, but they must replace certain numbers with the word “Buzz.” If a player says the wrong number or forgets to say “Buzz” at the appropriate time, they are out of the game. Here are the instructions!

Life in the March household is a blend of love and challenges, and in Chapter 4, the sisters each confront their own “burdens.”

Meg feels the weight of her family’s modest means, longing for the luxuries enjoyed by her wealthier friends. Jo struggles with her fiery temper and desire for independence. Beth quietly shoulders her shyness, finding solace in her music and her family.

And Amy wrestles with her vanity and need for admiration. Marmee, with her usual wisdom, encourages the girls to face their struggles with grace and resilience.

Through humor, tears, and heartwarming moments, they learn that facing their burdens together makes them lighter.

Chapter 4 captures the universal challenges of growing up while balancing personal ambition and family loyalty.

It’s a touching reminder that even life’s heaviest burdens can lead to greater strength and understanding.

“MUFFS” (OR SWEET BUNS)

“These turnovers were an institution, and the girls called them ‘muffs’, for they had no others and found the hot pies very comforting to their hands on cold mornings.”

While Louisa May Alcott doesn’t provide a specific recipe for the sweet buns mentioned in Chapter 4, we can approximate a recipe inspired by the 19th-century New England style of baking. Sweet buns of that time were simple, slightly spiced, and often included currants or raisins. These sweet buns are a lovely way to bring a taste of Little Women into your kitchen, reflecting the simple joys of the March family. Here’s a recipe to capture the spirit!

In Chapter 5 of Little Women, Jo’s bold curiosity leads her to visit Laurie Laurence, the mysterious boy next door.

At the grand but quiet Laurence home, she finds Laurie recovering from illness and longing for companionship. Jo’s lively spirit quickly breaks through his shyness, sparking an instant friendship filled with laughter and storytelling.

As Jo explores the Laurence home, she meets Mr. Laurence, the stern yet kind-hearted grandfather who secretly watches the budding friendship with approval.

Jo’s warmth and straightforward nature leave a lasting impression, bringing a breath of fresh air to the lonely household.

This chapter marks the beginning of one of the novel’s most cherished friendships. Jo and Laurie’s connection grows from this first meeting, setting the stage for adventures, mischief, and a relationship that will deeply influence both their lives.

BLANCMANGE RECIPE

“‘That looks too pretty to eat,’ Laurie said, smiling with pleasure, as Jo uncovered the dish, and showed the blanc mange, surrounded by a garland of green leaves…”

Blancmange (pronounced bluh·maanj) is a classic Victorian-era dessert, smooth, creamy, and lightly flavored. It’s simple to make and offers a comforting treat reminiscent of the March family’s modest but joyful celebrations. The name "blancmange" comes from the French words blanc, meaning white, and mengier, a noun that sounds like a verb meaning "dish" or "food.” This is a sweet, creamy dessert often made with milk, sugar, and gelatin or cornstarch, flavored with vanilla or almonds. Enjoy this treat!