Old Christmas Reflections from Amish Country
We hope this mid‑January week finds you well and settling gently into the new year. Here in the Heartland, the past several days have felt more like early Spring than the deep Winter we usually expect. With highs near fifty and nights barely dipping below freezing, the Amish families have been grateful for the lighter load on their woodpiles, even as they keep one eye on the ponds and wonder when the ice will finally thicken. There are still several weeks of cold weather ahead, so there is no real concern yet, but many recall the Winter about a dozen years ago when the ponds never froze enough to cut ice. That memory always lingers a bit during warm spells like this.
This past week also brought Old Christmas on January 6, a day that remains meaningful in Amish homes. Old Christmas is still observed in many communities as a quieter, more reflective holiday, rooted in the older Julian calendar and associated with Epiphany, the day many Christians mark as the visit of the Magi. While the wider world has already moved on from the holidays, Amish families often treat Old Christmas as a final pause before the year truly begins.
Most families spent the day at home, reading, writing, and simply relaxing. One of the small joys of Old Christmas is the chance to sleep in, something that feels like a gift after the busy weeks of December. The day is usually spent with immediate family only, and this year was no different. Many shared that the most meaningful part of the day was the quiet conversations about the meaning of Old Christmas itself, especially the story of the wise men and how this day may have once been the original date of Christmas before calendar changes centuries ago.
Children often hear the story of the wise men read aloud, and in some homes, the family sits together and takes turns reading scripture. These simple traditions help pass on the heritage of Old Christmas, reminding younger generations why the day matters and how it connects to the larger story of Jesus and redemption. The Amish see Old Christmas as a way to hold on to their heritage, a gentle reminder of the old ways and the importance of slowing down.
Food on Old Christmas is simple and comforting. Many families enjoyed popcorn, cider, and apples this year, opting for lighter treats after the more substantial meals of December. The day is not meant to be elaborate. Instead, it is a time to rest from the stress of preparing for Christmas and to savor the quiet of Winter. In many ways, this year's Old Christmas felt much like those of the past, steady and familiar, which is part of its charm.
As the Amish move into the new year, they carry the spirit of Old Christmas with them by remembering to slow down and savor life. The lessons of the day are simple but lasting. Time with family matters. Rest matters. Faith deepens in the quiet moments. Many shared that they felt God's presence most clearly in the love of family and friends gathered close.
Stories from Our Amish Basket Weavers
Here are a few of the most notable moments from the families who weave the beautiful baskets featured on AmishBaskets.com, shared with us this week.
The Yoder Family
The Yoder family had quite a week, especially for their eldest son. He spent last Thursday at a neighbor's farm, lending his skills as a finish carpenter, a role he is often called on to perform when families face unexpected needs. This time, the project involved helping rebuild the roof of a new ice house. A group traveled to Wisconsin on Saturday to pick up several pre-made ice houses, but the flatbed trailer they used was slightly higher than usual. A low bridge on the way home caught the tops of all three ice houses and even knocked one off the trailer. The pieces were scattered across the road, leaving the families with a bigger project than they expected. Now the Yoders and their neighbors are working together to rebuild the damaged roof, turning the mishap into a shared effort that has brought a dose of good humor along the way.
The Borntrager Family
It was a memorable Sunday for the Borntrager family, especially for their eldest son. With two ministers away serving in other districts, he was asked to read the scriptures during the morning service, a responsibility he accepted with quiet pride. The congregation gathered again in the afternoon for their annual post-Christmas potluck, a tradition everyone looks forward to. Tables were filled with homemade snacks, party mix, chips, celery and carrot sticks, vegetable rolls, fresh cheese, and an assortment of holiday candies prepared by families. The afternoon was spent visiting, sharing stories, and enjoying the simple treats before everyone headed home as the Winter light faded. It was the kind of day that reminds the community how much these small gatherings mean.
"Before you can dry another's tears, you must learn to weep."
— Amish Wisdom
