Aunt Jo's scrap-bag, Volume 6 : An old-fashioned Thanksgiving, etc.

In the rolling hills of New Hampshire, the Bassett farm hums with the lively rhythm of an approaching Thanksgiving. Mrs. Bassett moves through the warm kitchen like a queen bee, stirring cider, kneading dough, and arranging pies while her children—seven sturdy sons and spirited daughters—chop, grind, and shell corn with eager hands. The air is thick with the scent of roasting ham, spiced apples, and the crackle of a cheerful fire, painting a picture of simple, hard‑won abundance.

Amid the bustling preparations, a sudden burst of excitement ripples through the house when Tilly flings open a door and darts into the arms of a bear, a moment that jolts the family into surprise. Dolly’s startled cry follows, hinting at a peculiar encounter that will test the children’s courage and bond. As the farm buzzes toward the feast, the reader is invited to share in the warmth, humour, and the unexpected twists that make this holiday unforgettable.