How do the Amish Celebrate Christmas?

Visitors are typically curious about the differences between the Amish way of living and ours – things like not using electricity or traveling by horse & buggy or scooter rather than cars. This time of year, that curiosity turns to the Christmas holidays, and wondering how the Amish celebrate Christmas. Do they give each other presents? Do they have a big holiday meal? Do they decorate their homes?

Let’s start off with the obvious one. Do the Amish celebrate Christmas?

Yes, they do. They celebrate it as a sacred holiday with simplicity and tradition. Their focus is on the birth of Christ, and is geared toward the family.

What do you mean by English customs?

“English” is the term that the Amish use for non-Amish.

Do the Amish put up a Christmas tree, or lights around the house?

The Amish in Lancaster County are influenced by German Christmas traditions. Their decorations may include greenery, holiday cards, hanging stars, and candles placed throughout the home. There are no lavish trees or lights. You can often smell the aroma of special Christmas cookies.

Do the Amish exchange gifts?

On the last day at school before Christmas, the children will exchange gifts with each other. They may draw a name from a hat, and each child will receive something. Gifts would be something very practical like writing paper or needlepoint kits. Most families will exchange some small gifts – and some send Christmas cards, often to their “English” friends. Many Amish, adults & children, make handmade “stamped” Christmas cards. Are you interested in hand-stamping? The Gordonville Book Store, an Amish business, has a lot of choices.

Do they have Christmas Eve & Christmas Day church services, and sing carols or traditional hymns?

Because Christmas is so important to the Amish community, it is celebrated for two days. On December 25th, they meditate and read scripture at their home. December 26th, or “Second Christmas” they celebrate with family and friends with festive gatherings They have great feasts and exchange practical gifts. The ladies especially like lotions from Avon or Bath& Body Works.

Amish children put on a Christmas program each year in their one-room schoolhouse – this is probably the only time you’ll see Amish children on a “stage.” During their Christmas program, the children sing songs, perform skits and recite poems. This is not something that visitors would get to see. Typically, only family will attend, and occasionally, they’ll invite their “English” neighbors or friends to come as well.

Okay, last question – do the Amish eat a special Christmas dinner?

Christmas dinners are absolutely a big part of the holiday for the Amish. They are usually large meals, not unlike those served at weddings. Various groups besides the family will hold get-togethers, such as single women, teachers, and others of like interest. These gatherings may continue into January and February of the new year. For those who are "English" and would like a taste of the Amish Farmhouse Christmas Experience, you can do so at Old Windmill Farm. Where you'll be able to churn your own butter from fresh cream, press local apples to make cider, preserve fresh applesauce and bake fresh bread and pumpkin pie!

Any last comments or tidbits of information for us?

I think that, although we all share our own holiday traditions, what any holiday is about is enjoying cherished memories and traditions with family and friends, as well as remembering those less fortunate than ourselves.

While we, the English, (if you are not Amish-you are English) enjoy our traditions at Christmas, the Amish, too, will be enjoying their holiday traditions. Jesus is always the center of their celebrations.

Book an authentic Amish Farmhouse Christmas Experience

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