Winter Work and Warmth in Amish Homes
As December settles into the Heartland, the first true signs of Winter have arrived. The farm ponds have not frozen over yet, but the first snow of the season has blanketed the countryside. Families have been busy clearing driveways and walkways, preparing for the weeks ahead. We hope this letter finds you well, cozy, and ready to embrace the blessings of the season.
Life in Amish homes during Winter is a blend of hard work and cherished traditions. Preparing for the cold months involves tasks outsiders might not expect, such as covering canned goods in the basement with old blankets to keep jars from bursting, or scooping snow against the house to insulate water pipes. These small acts of foresight ensure that homes remain safe and warm even when temperatures dip low.
Daily chores will take on new importance. Ice will soon need to be chopped from ponds so animals can drink, and wood must be carried to stoves to keep homes heated. The animals themselves are sheltered in barns and sheds, where fresh straw is laid to keep them comfortable. Children play an important role, too, helping to carry wood, fill pots with water, and keep the tea kettles full on the stove. Generations have passed down tools like the splitting maul for wood and the hatchet for ice, reminders of how tradition and practicality intertwine.
Evenings bring a welcome change of pace. Families gather around the wood stove, sharing stories, popping corn, and propping their feet near the fire. The stove is more than a source of heat; it is the heart of the home, drawing everyone together. Winter also brings time for board games like Rummikub or memory games, as well as storytelling that strengthens bonds across generations.
Of course, Winter work is not without its challenges. Getting up in the night to feed the stove, or cleaning and reassembling the stovepipes each month, is tiring, yet there is a sense of reward in shoveling snow and seeing the world made fresh and clean. Neighbors lend a hand when hardships arise, such as offering barn space to families without shelter for their animals. These acts of kindness remind us that community is strongest when tested by the cold.
The Amish also find joy in their unique Christmas traditions. December 25 is celebrated with family gatherings and quiet reflection, but December 26 brings "Second Christmas", a day for visiting in-laws and friends. Then, on January 6, many communities observe "Old Christmas", a day rooted in the Julian calendar and Epiphany, often marked by fasting until noon, followed by a hearty meal. These celebrations highlight the Amish focus on faith, family, and gratitude rather than materialism.
Winter teaches patience and faith. Short daylight hours mean work often continues by lantern or headlight, but there is also time for rest and reflection. When February arrives and the doldrums set in, parents brighten school days with hot lunches or small rewards for scholars. And when the snow lies fresh and white, many are reminded of God's hand in creation, echoing the hymn: "Oh, precious is the flow that makes me white as snow."
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 week, the Swarey boys set out with bows and arrows for a day of deer hunting. The woods were alive with movement, but the thick branches and underbrush proved tricky, keeping them from bringing home a deer. Still, the outing was filled with laughter and stories, and the boys returned with tales of close calls. Later that evening, they walked over to help a neighboring widow whose horse had lost a shoe. She had mentioned the problem during Thanksgiving, and the boys gladly took care of it. With daylight fading quickly, their headlamps lit the way as they finished the chore, a reminder of how Winter evenings bring both challenge and community spirit.
The Borntrager Family
The Borntrager household welcomed a cousin this week who is recovering from a tumble during holiday chores. While helping clean gutters on one of the family's outbuildings, she hurried down the ladder only to have her dress catch on the top rung. In an instant, she was dangling, then fell nearly eight feet, bringing the ladder down with her. Thankfully, she escaped with only bruises and soreness, no broken bones. Now she is staying with the family, enjoying their care and hospitality while she heals. Evenings have been filled with gentle laughter as she recounts the mishap, and the family is grateful it did not result in any serious harm.
"There is no better way to thank God for your sight than to give a helping hand in the dark."
— Amish Wisdom
