At a glance
An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving
Classic short story
An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving
56 pages · First published 1991
In the New Hampshire hills of the 1820s, the Bassett family is preparing for Thanksgiving when worrying news sends Mother and Father away to visit Grandmother. Left in charge, Tilly and Prue decide to cook the feast themselves, with help and distractions from their brothers and sisters. Snow, a frightening surprise, and some questionable kitchen decisions make their holiday far less orderly than planned. Alcott fills this short tale with rural household work, sibling humor, and affection that matters more than a perfect dinner. Gather the family by the fire for a lively Thanksgiving read-aloud about harvest abundance and learning to be grateful together.
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No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Worry about a relative’s illness; brief firearm danger during a mistaken bear scare; an unsolicited kiss.
Alcohol-Free Pour
Apple-Cinnamon Tea
Gentle apple and cinnamon make a cozy companion for a fireside family gathering.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Steep the black tea with the cinnamon stick. Stir in warmed apple juice and garnish with an apple slice.
- Garnish: Apple slice and cinnamon stick.
- Glassware: Mug.
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Mug ↗Cocktail Pour · 21+
Spiced Rum Cider
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
Warm apple and spice suit a bustling Thanksgiving kitchen and a cheerful family read.
What you'll need
- 6 oz apple cider ↗
- 1.5 oz dark rum
- 1 cinnamon stick ↗
- 1 orange slice ↗
Alcohol-shopping links are not shown on children's or young-adult book pages.
How to mix it
- Warm cider with the cinnamon stick and orange slice in a small saucepan for 5–10 minutes, without boiling. Remove from heat, stir in rum, and pour into a heatproof mug.
- Glassware: Heatproof mug.
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