An Amish Reflection on the Holiday Season
As November settles into the Heartland, we've felt the quick shift of seasons in just a few days. Early in the week, the air dipped into the teens, frosting the fields and reminding us of Winter's approach. By week's end, the sun returned with warmth, lifting temperatures into the 60s and leaving evenings comfortably in the 50s. It serves as a reminder of how swiftly life changes and how important it is to pause and notice the quiet gifts that surround us. With the holidays drawing near, we close our ten‑part series on Amish leisure and visiting with a reflection on stillness, a theme that feels especially fitting as families prepare their homes for gatherings and celebrations.
For the Amish, stillness is not simply the absence of noise. It is found in silence, prayer, and the natural world. Many Amish families speak of the peace of early mornings, when the rest of the world still sleeps and the only sounds are birdsong or the creak of a porch step. In these moments, they feel closest to God. One woman recalled the quiet touch of her father's hand at the time of his passing, a wordless moment that carried profound comfort. Stillness, in this way, becomes a bridge between daily life and faith.
Simplicity also shapes leisure. Doing less, or doing things more slowly, allows time for reflection. Shelling peas, mending clothes, or sweeping the porch are not chores to be rushed but opportunities to think, pray, or simply breathe. Many Amish women describe these small tasks as meditative, a way to find peace in the ordinary. Quilting, too, holds a special place. Though time is scarce, piecing together a quilt over months or years becomes a labor of patience and meaning, each stitch carrying quiet devotion.
Gratitude is woven into these moments. Prayer, journaling, and conversation are daily practices, but journaling is especially cherished. Some describe it as an addiction, a way to capture blessings and reflect on life's gifts. One woman spoke of her gratitude for being given the chance to write cards and letters, a passion she had carried since childhood. Walking outdoors also brings reflection, teaching that God's creation is beautiful if only we take the time to notice. Even the simple trills of a wren can be a reminder of joy.
Families embrace quiet togetherness by reading side by side or sitting in silence after a hymn. Community singings often include moments of reflection, where the pause between voices feels as meaningful as the song itself. Seasonal traditions add to this sense of peace. Winter evenings by lamplight, when closed windows block out the noise of traffic, create a cocoon of stillness. Summer evenings on the porch, watching children play, offer another kind of quiet gift. For those unfamiliar with Amish life, the silent prayers offered throughout the day may be the most surprising aspect. These prayers, spoken without words, are deeply moving in their simplicity.
As we close this series, we hope you have enjoyed these glimpses into Amish leisure and visiting. From the joy of gathering with neighbors to the quiet of Winter evenings, each part has shown how community and faith shape daily life. Stillness, as the final gift, reminds us to slow down, to notice, and to give thanks.
Stories from Our Amish Basket Weavers
Here are a few happenings the families dedicated to weaving the beautiful baskets featured on AmishBaskets.com have shared with us this week.
The Swarey Family
This past week, the Swarey family spent several hours helping their English neighbors, whose 100-year-old elderly relative had recently moved into a nursing home. With the house and sheds needing to be cleaned out, the Swareys joined in alongside other friends and family. As part of the effort, the neighbors shared useful items with them, including boxes of canned goods, vegetables, and tuna, along with a generous supply of empty canning jars. The jars are especially valued since they are always in demand during harvest season. They also received a large chest freezer, no longer working but still useful as an icebox when packed with ice. The Swareys were grateful for both the fellowship and the practical gifts, which will serve them well in the months ahead.
The Mast Family
Last weekend, the Mast family enjoyed walking to church, which was held in another family's home about two miles away. The walk came after a busy Saturday when their horse developed a limp while returning from helping neighbors prepare for their daughter's wedding. After checking his feet, they treated a soft spot with Cop‑pur‑cur and decided to let him rest. The walk to church turned into a blessing, as the family delighted in the sights of Autumn wildlife. As dusk fell, they watched deer crossing the road and spotted rabbits darting through the underbrush while taking a shortcut across a hayfield. The crisp Fall air and the quiet beauty of the evening made the journey memorable, reminding them of the simple joys found in slowing down together and appreciating the moment.
"It takes less time to do something right than to explain why you did something wrong."
— Amish Wisdom
