If you don’t recognize Ms. Pippilotta Delicatessa Windowshade Mackrelmint Ephraim's Daughter (aka “Pippi”) Longstocking from her books, then you may know the wisecracking nine-year-old from her television shows, cartoons, movies, or the current Central Park puppet show. First appearing in 1945 as a storybook character created by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren, Pippi Longstocking has been taking children on wild adventures for almost seventy years. But age hasn’t slowed her down a bit, and her life lessons are just as applicable today as they ever were. Below are a few of my personal favorites.
Don't be afraid to make a mess sometimes.
When I cook, I tend to clean as I go to avoid dealing with a sink full of dishes later. Not Pippi, though. When Pippi Longstocking cooks, there are broken eggs on the floor, flour on the ceiling, and plenty of both on the chef herself. So next time I make dinner, I’ll take a page out of Pippi’s book and just let the batter fly where it will. Because sometimes you need to let things get messy, whether you’re making pancakes or just enjoying a Friday night.
Maybe the reason Pippi is so happy to make a mess is because she knows cleaning it up will be just as fun. At Villa Villekulla, “Scrubbing Day” isn’t about chores, it’s an excuse to strap on some scrubby brush shoes, slide through bubbly soap, and, of course, sing a ridiculous song. Because at Pippi’s house, scrubbing day is a favorite day, “because on scrubbing day, everything gets wet!”