Last week, I had a lengthy conversation with one of my Amish friends.  We talked about the plot for my next book, and we also discussed Christmas.  I thought I'd tell you some of the things she shared with me about an Old Order Amish Christmas.

First of all, it's a two-day affair.  They celebrate Christmas, Dec. 25th, and they also celebrate Second Christmas, the day after Christmas.  (How fun!)

There aren't too many differences between an Amish Christmas and Christmas in the English (term for non-Amish folks) world.  They decorate their homes with poinsettias, live plants, candles, and there are presents placed around the house.  But, no Christmas trees.  The homes are very clean, festive, and smell of fresh baked cookies, breads, and other goodies. 

On Dec. 25th, they have a traditional meal with turkey, dressing, and the works.  Usually, the meal is at noon and includes extended family.  Worship service varies from family to family, depending on everyone's schedule.  Some families attend on Christmas Eve, some on Christmas Day, and others choose Second Christmas for church.  

Like most of the English Christmas celebrations, the 25th is a busy day - food to prepare, gifts to open, and all the festivities that go along with that.  When I asked my friend about presents (if they are simple or elaborate), she said it depends on how much money the family has (similar to the rest of us).  Her example:  a father with substantial funds might give his daughter a piece of furniture for Christmas, while a father with a modest income would give something in line with his earning ability.
 
Second Christmas is spent socializing and visiting.  It's a time to visit the shut-ins who were not able to venture out on Christmas Day and also to visit others in the community.  

I love it when I have an opportunity to talk to my Amish friends.  One of my friends is Old Order Amish.  She has a phone in the barn, and I can leave her messages and she will call me back.  Another friend is Beachy Amish (similar to Mennonite) and has a phone in her house.  They have a kindness about them that warms my heart.  And I love their accent.  To me, it sounds almost a tad British - but just a little.  Of course, when I went for a visit to Lancaster County, they all knew immediately I was from Texas!  It was MY accent that they liked.  

I hope that some day I will get to spend more than just a few days in Pennsylvania.  There truly is a peacefulness there that is hard to explain - but I try to do my best to paint the picture in the books.  

Before I talked to my friend, I had made a hard decision not to put up a Christmas tree this year.  I've had a Christmas tree every year of my life, and something about not putting one up just seemed wrong.  But, we'd recently done some household rearranging and our Christmas stuff is hard to get to, plus I'm a little freaked out about my deadline at the moment.  But still...those didn't seem like good enough reasons not to put up a tree.  However...

I felt better when I found out that my Amish friends don't put up a tree either.  So, I decided to do things the way they do.  I have my gifts wrapped prettier than ever before and placed around the house.  I have a very plain table arrangement that is still festive in nature.  And I have the Christmas spirit in my heart.  And, in the big picture, isn't that what Christmas is all about, anyway?  

Be blessed this holiday season!