Spending Cozy Winter Days Together

We hope this email finds you well and warm. We know that winter can be challenging for many people, especially when you have to stay indoors most of the time. Winter can be a wonderful opportunity to slow down, reflect, and enjoy life's simple pleasures.

That's why we would like to share some of the Amish families' activities that make their winter days more cozy and meaningful. Maybe you'll find some inspiration for your winter routine or just enjoy learning more about their culture and traditions.

Here are some of the things that they love to do during the winter months:

Reading: There's nothing like curling up with a good book on a cold day. The Amish love to read various books and magazines, from those that relate to their plain communities to reading materials that their English friends recommend. They also enjoy browsing the seed catalogs that arrive in the mail, dreaming of the flowers and vegetables they will plant in the spring. Of course, they never forget to read the Bible, the most important book. Sometimes, they read it individually, and sometimes, they read it aloud as a family, taking turns and discussing the passages.

Writing Letters: The Amish find that one of winter's joys is catching up with their relatives and friends who live far away. They write letters to them, telling them about their lives, their joys, and their challenges. They also receive letters from them, and they cherish every word that is sent to them. Some people also participate in "Circle Letters", which are letters exchanged among a group of Amish people with a common interest. They can be about gardening, crafting, baking, or family matters. They learn a lot from each other and feel a sense of connection and community when participating in a circle letter.

Sewing: The Amish find that winter is the perfect time to make new clothes for themselves and their loved ones. During the warmer months of spring and summer, they only sew to mend or repair their garments, but they create new ones during the winter. They follow the patterns and styles handed down to them by their ancestors. Sometimes, they sew for a specific occasion, such as an upcoming wedding or a baptism, and sometimes just for fun.

Quilting: Another way the Amish express their artistic skills and love for their families is by quilting. They set up quilting frames in their living rooms, where they have enough space and warmth. They work on their quilts together, as a family, or a group of friends. They choose the colors, patterns, and designs they like and stitch them carefully. They teach their young daughters how to quilt, passing on their knowledge and heritage. They make quilts for themselves, their relatives, or their neighbors in need.

The Miller family works on a "Star Log Cabin" quilt pattern.

Jigsaw Puzzles: One of the Amish family's favorite pastimes during the winter is to work on jigsaw puzzles. They find them challenging, relaxing, and rewarding. Many Amish homes will have a partially completed puzzle on a spare table in the living area, where anyone can help. Sometimes, they work on it as a family and invite friends over for a puzzle night. They enjoy the pictures and the puzzles' colors and feel a sense of accomplishment when it is finished.

Besides the activities listed above and crafting baskets, here are some of this week's other happenings in and around the farms of the Amish families who craft the handmade baskets available to purchase on www.AmishBaskets.com.

The Mast Family

The Mast family is busy as bees these days, as they prepare to host church next week. They are using every spare moment to clean and tidy up their home and farm, making sure everything is in order and ready to welcome their fellow church members. The Mast family is looking forward to hosting church, as it is a great honor and privilege for them. They are eager to share their hospitality and fellowship with their friends and neighbors in the district.

The Yoder Family

This week, the Yoder children had a wonderful opportunity to show their love and kindness to some of their neighbors. On Friday, their school organized a special visit to five widowed ladies in the community. The children were so excited to hop on a hay wagon and ride from house to house. They brought along some delicious cookies and other treats that they had baked with their mom. They also sang some cheerful songs for each lady, making them smile and laugh. It was a beautiful and memorable day for everyone.

The Gingerich Family

The Gingerich family had an unwelcome guest this past week: the flu. It seemed like everyone in the community had caught the bug, so it was only a matter of time before it knocked on their door. The family had to stay home and rest, missing their usual Sunday worship last Sunday. They are grateful for the prayers and support of their friends and church family, and for being back on their feet now.

"When your arms can't reach people who are close to your heart, hug them with your prayers."

— Amish Wisdom