Christmas Traditions in Amish Country

Amish Country Christmas Traditions & Customs

The Christmas traditions in Amish Country are full of old-fashioned customs and activities that keep the holiday season alive. Christmas is a special time for many of us, but for the Amish, it’s a chance to come together and celebrate their culture. Whether you live nearby or plan on visiting one day soon, you won’t want to miss out on experiencing these unique holiday traditions for yourself! From candlelit decorations to special meals shared among family members or friends, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!  Let’s take a look at some of these unique holiday traditions.

Feasting on Special Treats 

The Amish are well known for their delicious homemade treats like shoofly pies and molasses cookies. During the holiday season, these treats become even more decadent! A typical Amish Christmas dinner includes ham or roast beef with mashed potatoes and gravy, noodles, vegetables, bread with butter, cranberry sauce and homemade desserts like apple dumplings or pumpkin custard pie. Delicious! 

Candles Instead of Electric Lights 

One thing you won’t find in most Amish homes during Christmas time is electric lights! Instead of stringing up lightbulbs around their houses (which goes against their beliefs), they use handcrafted decorations made from candles or oil lamps to bring extra cheer into their homes during this special time of year. This only adds to the charm and warmth of the holiday and creates an atmosphere of peace and relaxation. 

Traditional Amish Gift Giving

Gift giving is an important part of Amish holidays as well. Gifts tend to be handmade and practical things like clothing or tools rather than toys or gadgets like you might see in other households. They also use gift exchanges as a way to give gifts without single people out. This way, everyone’s contribution is appreciated equally! Instead of being wrapped in brightly colored paper they are often encased in simple cloth bags that can be used over again each year. Traditional Amish families are very environmentally conscious, and try to avoid waste in everyday life as well. 

Branches Instead of Christmas Tree Decorating 

The Amish typically do not put up traditional artificial or real trees for decoration during the holiday season. Instead, they decorate evergreen branches and place them in baskets at each window of their homes. These branches are decorated with paper stars, ribbons, popcorn strings, and other festive decorations that can be easily removed after the holiday season has passed. This helps to keep with their more simplified approach to life while still embracing seasonal cheer!

Christmas Eve Services 

Christmas Eve services are an important part of Amish tradition. These special services include readings from the Bible, traditional hymns, and sermons related to Jesus’ birth. Following the service, everyone gathers together in a large room where they share stories and memories of Christmases past. Afterward, they break bread together, which is a symbolic gesture that signifies unity within the community.    

Want to Spend Christmas in Amish Country?

Christmas in Amish country is full of beautiful traditions and special activities that help keep the spirit of the season alive all year long! From delicious food to decorating evergreen branches instead of trees, Christmas traditions in Amish Country will leave a lasting impression on you and your family. These humble and unique practices remind us that no matter where we come from or what religious faith we follow, this time of year can be filled with joyous celebration if we take part in it together. We hope you enjoyed learning about some of these unique customs from Amish country! Happy Holidays from AmishView Inn & Suites!