I Could Never Love Anyone Like I Love My Sisters

I love the movie Little Women.

Ever since it came out on VHS (for all you young folk, that’s what we used before Internet Streaming, Apple TV and DVDs), my mom, sister and I would turn it on every Thanksgiving.

We hated how annoying Amy was, cried every time Beth died, and wished each and every time, that just once, Jo would choose Laurie over Frederick.

But despite all the anger, crying and shouting, we loved watching the movie.

Then, my sister married and began dividing Thanksgivings. On the off years, my mom and I still watched the movie, but it just wasn’t the same. Those Little Women moments became even more memorable than before, because our time together was so little and so precious.

Eventually, I married and began spending all my Thanksgivings with my husband’s family. It’s a big holiday for them and with marriage comes compromise.

The first year, I tried to get my mother-in-law to watch the movie, but her tradition was watching the parade. The second year was an “on” year, so I called my mom and sister and we tried timing the movie - we turned it on at the same time. It was fun, but different.

The third year, I had some prep work to do on Wednesday so I decided to turn on Little Women while I worked by myself in the kitchen.

I enjoyed every minute.

While marriage involves compromise, the holidays are their own cup of tea. At first, it’s a blending of family traditions, but soon you begin forging your own traditions for the holiday season.

So today, while I peel potatoes and prepare the stuffing, green bean casserole and apple crisp, I’ll be watching Little Women as Babes twirls in her exersaucer.

She may not be big enough to sigh at Jo’s choice or roll her eyes at Amy, but one day I hope this movie will mean as much to her as it does to me.