Reading, Music, and Hobbies in Amish Life

We hope this note finds you well as November settles into the Heartland. The past week has brought us sunny Fall days with highs in the 60's and cool nights dipping into the 40's. Families are busy preparing for the colder months ahead, stacking firewood, finishing up outdoor chores, and savoring the last of the Autumn light. In the midst of this season of transition, we continue our series on Amish leisure and visiting. This week, we turn to the quiet joys of reading, music, and simple hobbies that nourish both the spirit and the home.

Reading holds a special place in Amish life. Scripture is central, and many find comfort in the familiar words of Psalm 23, which begin with the phrase, "The Lord is my shepherd." Beyond the Bible, Amish families enjoy devotionals, story collections, and historical accounts. Among older scholars and young adults, reading tastes often reflect gender. Girls are especially drawn to the inspirational novels of Christmas Carol Kauffman, whose stories of faith and perseverance resonated deeply with them. Boys, on the other hand, often favor the adventure‑filled works of authors like Thomas C. Hinkle, known for his tales of horses and the outdoors. These books, passed from hand to hand, became quiet companions during evenings at home or Sunday afternoons of rest.

Music is another source of comfort and connection. Hymns sung in German, often slow and solemn, speak of the struggle between good and evil and carry deep meaning across generations. Many Amish recall learning these hymns from their parents, with fond memories of singing together at home. Singing is not confined to church services; it often accompanies daily work, long buggy rides, or family gatherings. One woman remembered how, during her father's illness, singing brought him peace in his final days. These moments reveal how music is not only an expression of faith but also a way to bring unity and comfort in times of trial.

Crafting and woodworking also play an important role in leisure. Some find joy in creating useful items, while others find joy in making something beautiful, and often both come together in the same project. Sewing is especially beloved, with fabric chosen carefully and projects stitched with patience. One woman described how she had hand-copied her family's favorite songs, had them bound with the family name on the cover, and gave them as gifts. Such projects carry meaning far beyond their practical use, becoming keepsakes that connect generations. Quiet rituals often accompany these tasks, such as humming, praying, or reflecting, while working with one's hands.

These quiet pastimes are more than hobbies; they are ways of drawing closer to God and finding peace in the stillness of daily life. Winter, with its longer evenings and fewer outdoor demands, is a season when reading, sewing, and music become especially meaningful. While younger generations may be drawn more to outside work or jobs, many still find value in these traditions, even if in smaller ways. For those unfamiliar with Amish life, spending a day in such quiet pursuits would likely bring a sense of calm and relaxation, a reminder that leisure does not always need to be loud or busy to be fulfilling.

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 Mast Family

The Mast family's newly married daughter and her husband made an unexpected trip to Wisconsin last weekend after learning that his brother had been rushed to the emergency room. What began as a bout of flu quickly escalated when his fever spiked to 102, leading to seizures that alarmed the family. Thankfully, by Saturday afternoon, he was released from the hospital, sore and tired but on the mend. The young couple stayed a few extra days to visit relatives and lend support before returning home on Tuesday. Their journey was a reminder of how quickly families rally together in times of need.

The Borntrager Family

The Borntrager family had a lively moment this week as the children kept busy with the seasonal chore of filling the woodboxes. With frost on the ground and smoke rising from chimneys across the community, the task has become part of their daily routine. On Thursday evening, the Borntragers' eight‑year‑old daughter came home from school eager to help. She hurried out to the woodpile in her house slippers, the clip‑clop of her steps echoing loudly across the yard. The unexpected noise startled a pen of calves, sending them crashing through a gate in a brief stampede. Wide‑eyed, she rushed back inside to tell her mother what had happened. Her older brother soon had the calves rounded up and the gate wired back into place, leaving the family with a story they can remember with a smile.

"Character is what you are in the dark."

— Amish Wisdom