Submitted by Leona Baker, Historical Society of Salisbury Township

It is December. And while Christmas glitter and gloss have been with us for some time, many of us who are not Amish wonder how this very conservative branch of Christianity celebrates the holiday.

It is important to remember that Amish traditions vary from family to family and community to community. But for all sects, Christmas is the year's most important and festive holiday. Some groups may dedicate Dec. 25 to fasting and prayer. Others may also celebrate a "second Christmas" on Dec. 26. Others observe "Old Christmas" on Jan. 6, the Epiphany, which commemorates the visit of the Magi. This day may also be dedicated to rest, prayer and fasting.

No matter the style of celebration in any Plain community, once the daily chores are completed, this is the holiday to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The day is spent relaxing and enjoying each other's company, eating a festive supper with extended family and perhaps a hymn sing later in the evening. 

The church service is not on Christmas Day, but on the Sunday before or after the 25th. Christmas Day celebrations focus on God and the family. This may surprise those of us who, even if we don't attend church regularly, make sure to go on Christmas and Easter. Amish church services are held in people's homes. Preparations are made days, even weeks in advance. The house, barn and grounds are cleaned and tidied, fand food is prepared for as many as a hundred worshipers.

While there are no Christmas trees, Santa Claus, tinsel or bells, the Amish in Lancaster County are influenced by German Christmas traditions. Decorations may include greenery, holiday cards, hanging stars and candles placed throughout the home, and of course, special Christmas cookies. Many adults and children make stamped Christmas cards to give to their friends.

Some communities hold annual programs at their one-room schoolhouse on the last day of school before Christmas. Children have an opportunity to show off their recitation and singing skills. In some schools, the children may exchange gifts after first drawing a name out of a hat. Families supply snacks and cider. Gifts are usually writing paper, needlepoint kits, chalk or something practical. Each child will receive something, and the gift may have been handmade.

In the Historical Society of Salisbury Township's book "How They Learned Their ABCs," one tale is about a boy who carefully carved a face out of a potato as his offering. Unfortunately, the girl to whom he gave his carving did not appreciate the gesture!

But within the Amish home, gift giving is minimal. Perhaps the children will receive useful items like ice skates or knitting supplies from their parents. Relatives might give younger children small gifts. But adults rarely exchange gifts. The emphasis is on God, Jesus, and the family ... in that order. 

Some material for this article was gathered from http://www.DiscoverLancaster.com and the Amish Country News. While these offered good information, this is a good time to reach out to your Amish neighbors and share homemade cookies and stories of how each of your families celebrate this most exciting time of the year.