A Christmas Turkey, and how it Came

Name: A Christmas Turkey, and how it Came
Author: Louisa May Alcott

The story revolves around a struggling family facing financial difficulties during the Christmas season. The children, particularly Kitty, Tommy, and Sammy, recognize that their parents are too preoccupied with work and stress to celebrate the holiday. Determined to create a festive atmosphere, they devise a plan to earn money for a proper Christmas dinner, including a turkey and plum pudding. Kitty, the eldest, takes charge of the plans. She decides to sell wreaths made from leftover holly and pine from the church, while Tommy offers to work for a local grocer, Mr. Brisket, carrying baskets. Sammy, the youngest, plans to shovel snow for neighbors. Each child faces their own challenges but remains hopeful about their contributions. As the day unfolds, Tommy works hard but only manages to bring home vegetables and a dollar, while Sammy encounters a bully but ultimately earns a dollar and some gingerbread from a kind old lady. Kitty struggles to sell her wreaths but selflessly gives away her last one to a smaller girl, embodying the spirit of Christmas. In a twist of fate, Kitty helps an injured boy during a Christmas party, leading to her being rewarded with money for her wreaths and gifts for her siblings. Meanwhile, the children’s father, who has been struggling with his own issues, surprises them by returning home in a good mood, having resolved to change his ways. He brings a turkey, symbolizing hope and renewal for the family. The story concludes with the family celebrating together, dancing around their modest feast, embodying the true spirit of Christmas through love, sacrifice, and newfound happiness. The narrative emphasizes themes of resilience, familial love, and the importance of community support during difficult times.

By Louisa May Alcott · First published 1856 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Holiday Fiction, Children's Literature · 4,778 words

First lines

"I know we could n't do it."

"I say we could, if we all helped."

What this Textopian page supports

A Christmas Turkey, and how it Came is listed on Textopian as a short story by Louisa May Alcott, dated 1856 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Date: 1856 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Holiday Fiction, Children's Literature, Social Commentary, Realism
Length: 4,778 words
Structure: 1 section, 88 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The story explores deep themes of family, sacrifice, and the struggles of poverty, characteristic of literary fiction.
Holiday Fiction — The plot centers around Christmas and the efforts of children to create a festive holiday despite their circumstances.
Children's Literature — The narrative is focused on children and their perspectives, making it suitable for a younger audience.
Social Commentary — The story critiques social issues such as poverty and family dynamics during the holiday season.