How to Have a "Little House on the Prairie" Christmas

Christmas might be limited if finances are tight. Turn the bleak looking holiday into something special by celebrating it the pioneer way. Get the whole family involved to celebrate Christmas the Little House on the Prairie way. Here's how.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Even if the family is familiar with the stories, it sets the tone to re-read the chapter about Christmas. Have a family read-aloud session and then brainstorm how you can celebrate Christmas like Laura's family did. Search the internet using the keywords "pioneer Christmas" and you'll find lots of activities and information.

2. Plan frugal activities like making gingerbread (no, not making gingerbread houses, just plain gingerbread). Here's the link to the original recipe from the book:
   http://www.littlehouseontheprairie.com/web/gingerbread_recipe.htm

3. View the slide show online showing the interior of the Little House. This gets everyone in the pioneer mindset. http://www.littlehouseontheprairie.com/Slideshow/Slideshow.html
   If you live close to any of the Little House historical sites or museums, plan a visit. See the link below.

4. 
    

   Plan to make Christmas presents for each other. Help the children make a ragdoll for a gift. See the link for instructions for a prairie rag doll.

5. 
    

   Decorate the Christmas tree with old-fashioned paper chains, foil covered stars, and popcorn and cranberry chains. Make it fun to create the decorations with the whole family gathered around the table. (keep the TV turned off)

6. Pioneer families entertained themselves on long winter nights by making music. Have a family songfest singing all the Christmas carols you know. They also read together by the fireside. Read from favorite Christmas stories, the Bible or from the Little House books.

7. Fill the stockings with pioneer era luxuries (hard candy, an orange).

Resources

• The gingerbread recipe
• Little House slideshow
• Link for Little House museums and historical sites
• Activities from Laura's Prairie House

[kittycooks]

on 12/18/2009 I'd love to have a Pa who fiddles! Lovely ideas for a meaningful and simple holiday. Thanks for sharing.

[thesquirrelymom]

on 1/23/2009 Very nice article*****

[Mandica]

on 12/13/2008 I loved Little House of the Prairie when I was young! I remember going to the library and checking them out one by one. Reading this article brought back memories of that. I always remember the oranges! Great article!

[painthorse42]

on 12/2/2008 I love little house on the prairie! We have the entire DVD set :o) This is a great article! 5*

[veryirie]

on 12/2/2008 Ok, I'm so in love with Little House on the Prairie and those wonderful stories. They all seemed so happy with the simple Christmas; we can all learn lessons from this. Thanks for sharing!