With Thanksgiving gatherings right around the corner, delicious home-cooked meals are on everyone’s mind. We think you will love this old-fashioned cornbread stuffing recipe inspired by Laura Ingalls Wilder–it’s the perfect side dish. Just add some homemade cranberry jelly to accompany your meal and you’ll have the makings of a lovely Thanksgiving dinner!

Did you know that many of the traditions we associate with Thanksgiving began with the pioneers and Victorians? The most famous Laura Ingalls Wilder Thanksgiving story is the argument between Laura and Mary about the seasoning of the dressing. Laura first described this argument in her article in the “Missouri Ruralist” in 1916 and later in the book By the Shores of Silver Lake. Discover some of Laura’s Thanksgiving stories and traditions in this interesting article.

This month we celebrate the birthday of Dr. George A. Tann, one of the heroes in the Little House books. Based on a real person, Dr. Tann was a pioneer, physician, and neighbor of the Ingalls family. Without his help, the Ingalls family may not have survived a serious illness. Do you remember which disease he nursed them through? Explore the real life of Dr. Tann in this exclusive article. 

National Novel Writing Month, also known as NaNoWriMo is a month-long creative writing challenge that takes place every November. During the month, participants from all over the world are challenged to write a 50,000-word first draft of a novel. Have you ever felt inspired to write your own novel? We had the opportunity to interview Pamela Smith Hill, the editor of Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Autobiography and author of Laura Ingalls Wilder: A Writer’s Life about how Laura Ingalls Wilder inspired her to become a writer. Take a peek inside to see if you find something that inspires the writer in you!

Do you know a Little House on the Prairie fan? We have curated some of our favorite gift ideas to help you simplify your shopping list this holiday season. Here you’ll find gifts for all ages and all interests, including popular books, toys, clothing and accessories, stationery, and more!  Be sure to check out the line of exclusive Little House on the Prairie-inspired designs from Storiarts. This Little House on the Prairie^® Collection features text from the Little House books and original illustrations! Which ones are your favorites? 

Are you seeking some fun fall and winter events and activities? Check out our Little House on the Prairie® community calendar! We’re highlighting some events that caught our eye in December below.

Christmas with Almanzo, Wilder Homestead, Malone, New York, December 7:

Enjoy traditional holiday celebrations with mulled cider, cookies, and carol singing in the parlor of the Wilder house. The museum in the visitors’ center is transformed into ‘craft central’ for children where they can have fun stringing popcorn and making ornaments. There will be readings from the Farmer Boy Christmas chapter and the shop will be open for gift purchases. Click here for more information.

Christmas Past & Present, Stuhr Museum, Grand Island, Nebraska, December 7:

Invoke your Christmas spirit with a visit to the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer. Stuhr’s signature event features a beautiful lamp-lit tour of Railroad Town, cooking, crafts, and gorgeous decorations. Patrons will also enjoy live music and the sights, sounds, smells, and spirit of Christmas. Click here for more information.

A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas, Dodge City, Kansas, December 6-8, 13-15, and 20-22:

Written by Laurie Brooks and Directed by Christopher King, "A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas" is a Christmas tale featuring the characters from the much-loved Little House books. Told with period songs, humor and depth of character, this performance celebrates the importance of enduring family bonds. Click here for more information.

A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas, St. Paul, Minnesota, December 12-14:

In their poorest winter ever, Charles Ingalls backtracks his family to Iowa, to take over the management of a hotel. Laura overhears wealthy Mrs. Starr offer to adopt Laura to ease the burden of so many children. As Christmas morning approaches, Laura is faced with a decision: will she choose what she believes is best for the family or will she find a way to stay with Pa, Ma, Mary, and Carrie? "A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas" tells a story of healing that celebrates the importance of family. Click here for more information.

This month, we’re spotlighting Free Land, by Rose Wilder Lane. In the 1880s, newlyweds David and Mary Beaton arrive in Dakota to claim three hundred acres of grassland. Rose Wilder Lane tells of their struggle to survive with such force that Free Land has become a classic frontier novel. Many people remember Rose as the daughter of Laura Ingalls Wilder. What many people may not know is that Rose’s skillful editing and publishing connections helped her mother transition from rural Ozark journalist to world-renowned children’s author. Among Rose’s many works are Free Land, Young Pioneers, Diverging Roads, and Give Me Liberty.