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Plain and Simple Gratitude
The Amish celebrate Christmas in the time honored Christian manner, with a clear focus on the birth of Christ. Like everything else, though, they bring a simplicity that was completely overwhelmed in the greater world.
This lense gathers information about how the Amish celebrate Christmas, the foods they eat at these gatherings, what they think about the season, their traditions, and some of the decorations they make for us.
It is a work in progress, so mark it as a favorite and check back!.
I have the benefit of being close with some Amish families who share their lives, their beliefs and their work so generously. It is the things these families share with me that brings the perspective I bring to you here.
Amish Holiday Lemon Snowflake Cookies
Delicious and Beautiful
This recipe has been made easy for the rest of us by using some packaged ingredients. Otherwise you can do it the hard way by making those things from scratch!1 Lemon Cake mix with pudding
1/4 c flour
2 1/4 c cool whip (thawed)
1 egg
powdered sugar
Combine cake mix, whipped topping and egg. Beat until well blended- this will be sticky!
Drop by teaspoonfuls into powdered sugar and roll lightly to coat. Put on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 10 to 12 mins until lightly brown
Wise Men Still Seek Him
Wisdom is a high virtue in the Amish community.
The Amish take scripture very seriously, and the lessons it teaches. The lesson of the Three Wise Men is clear: not being Jews, the Lord gave His light to the rest of us, and the wisest of the wise sought him out.The Amish live this truth. The elders in their community are, indeed, wise, and are highly valued for the help they provide the community in direction and advice.
Unlike the English society around them, that worships youth, over-sexualizes everything, and abandons the elderly to irrelevance, the Amish appreciate the wisdom of age and they show it.
For Facebook Users
a good page!
updating with recipes and information about the Amish community.
- Facebook | Friends of the Amish Community
- Facebook is a social utility that connects people with friends and others who work, study and live around them. People use Facebook to keep up with friends, upload an unlimited number of photos, share links and videos, and learn more about the people they meet. In this case, the page is all about the Amish and the Amish things their friends and supporters are interested in!
Amish Christmas Ornaments
Shabby Chic in Red Alder with Distressed Ivory Finish
Christmas is one of the GREAT HIGH HOLY DAYS of the year, and they celebrate both Christmas and Ephiphany, and the days between these events make up the holiday 'season.'The inspiration for the decorations they do make and use are mainly the beautiful Christmas hymns they sing in gratitude to God for sending His Son for our salvation.
Amish Christmas ornaments reflect this and aren't full of sparkle and glitter. The simple beauty of wood is carved out for the Glory of God rather than entertainment for the eyes. These pieces are excellent examples. The dignity of a home decorated with these and other pieces like it is very surprising, and I've never met anyone who didn't notice an effect on their soul when looking at Amish made things.
These Christmas ornaments are designed by Linda Hershberger-Kirk, and are engraved out of red alder with a slightly distressed ivory finish.
Ornaments
Amish Community Blog
Lensmaster's Blog
The Amish are an interesting people. Keep up with their news, their concerns and developments here!
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Hand Made & Traditional
Amish Craftsmen in Pennsylvania offer wonderful Amish Christmas cards. Get them now, so you have time to send them! (not affiliated)
- Amish Christmas Cards
- Lancaster County Holiday Scenes on Cards. Beautiful.
Pennsylvania Dutch Butterscotch Pudding
Favorite at Christmas Time
Pennsylvania Dutch Butterscotch Pudding
1 c. brown sugar
2 tbsp. butter
1 tbsp. flour
1 egg yolk
1 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
(Best done in a cast iron skillet.) Boil sugar and butter together until soft. Beat the egg yolk well and add it to the flour, milk, vanilla, and salt. Carefully stir a little at a time into the sugar mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, until thick and bubbly.
1 c. brown sugar
2 tbsp. butter
1 tbsp. flour
1 egg yolk
1 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
(Best done in a cast iron skillet.) Boil sugar and butter together until soft. Beat the egg yolk well and add it to the flour, milk, vanilla, and salt. Carefully stir a little at a time into the sugar mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, until thick and bubbly.
Christmas Hymn Plaque
Away in the Manger Musical Score
The Amish have reproduced the Christmas Hymn Away in the Manger from their hymnal on this solid Cherry plaque. It measures 5.5 x 7.25. $39.99With a music box attached that plays the song: $49.99
Margaret's Sparkling Modeling Clay Recipe
Perfect to make Christmas Ornaments
This modeling clay sparkles, is food safe, and makes really wonderful hand made ornaments. The little tree (r) was made by an itty bitty girl.2 c. cornstarch
3 c. granulated salt
3 c. boiling water
Package of food coloring.
In a mixing bowl put cornstarch. Measure out the salt. Pour 3 c boiling water into the cornstarch and mix until cornstarch is dissolved. Immediately add salt and mix well until a modeling clay consistency is formed.
Separate into 5 small bowls. In one bowl, add a few drops of green food coloring and knead the coloring into the clay. Do the same with red, yellow and blue food colorings. Leave the last bowl white for use as white Christmas things, like snowmen, snowflakes, icicles. The granulated salt gives the clay sparkles.
When cool enough for kids to handle, give them some cookie cutters and let them go at it!
It takes about a day for each ornament to dry, longer if they are thick. Lay them out on a paper towel to dry. You may need to turn them over to dry on both sides.
This modeling clay accepts glue very well, so if little add ons come off, just use some elmer's to attach it again. You can glue on glitter, beads, or other decorative items.
You can use some spray shellac if you'd like them shiny. Tip: if they are taking too long to dry, you can place them in a low heat oven on a cookie sheet until dry.
Store leftover modeling clay in ziploc bags. Keeps for a few weeks.
Amish Christmas Cookies
from recipegoldmine.com
1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup light molasses
1 egg, beaten
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets. Cream butter and sugar. Blend in molasses and eggs. Sift dry ingredients together and stir into molasses-egg mixture. Roll out dough on lightly floured board and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup light molasses
1 egg, beaten
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets. Cream butter and sugar. Blend in molasses and eggs. Sift dry ingredients together and stir into molasses-egg mixture. Roll out dough on lightly floured board and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
Gratitude, not Greed
One Amish Christmas Story
Some years ago, an Amish farmer agreed to take his family into town so they could visit Santa Claus. The children had their turns with Santa, (without pictures, of course), and during this visit Santa and his helpers were offering all kinds of gifts- candy canes, ornaments, little packages for either boys or girls. The father didn't allow them to take any of those gifts. The staff, seeing that they were Amish, decided instead to give the family a Christmas ham because if the family wouldn't take something frivolous, like candy, perhaps they would take something practical, like food. The farmer was very reluctant to accept the gift, not meaning any disrespect, but it made him uneasy. He was able to be persuaded to accept the Christmas ham and the family went home.Back at the farm, the family discovered that one of their best pigs lay dead!
"The pig would not have died if we hadn't accepted that Christmas ham. The gift of Christmas is our salvation, a savior that we depend on for everything. He sustains our family and our farm," said the farmer to his family.
"Christmas is the time to give, because there's no greater gift that we could receive than the one God has given us. Other gifts take our eyes and hearts off of the true gift. It is a time for GRATITUDE, not greed."
Angel Basket
Angels Heralded & Rejoiced in the Nativity
This nifty baskets has three parts. The first part is the shape, in this case an angel, the basket which is actually one solid piece of wood that was spiral cut, and the bottom. Lift the angel, and the basket opens. Since it closes up, it is very easy to store flat, since it is only about 1 inch thick.Baskets
Get several for Christmas (so cute decorated!), seasonal celebrations or special occasions. They can be painted or decorated if you choose. Special Squidoo Coupon: squid612e
The small angel measures 8 x 10.5 x .75 $39.99
Amish Ginger Cookies
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1-1/2 teaspoon baking soda
extra granulated sugar
Preheat oven to 350 F. In a mixing bowl, beat together butter and 1 cup sugar until creamy. Add egg and molasses; beat until combined. Add the remaining ingredients and mix until well combined. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and roll in the extra granulated sugar. Place balls on ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 5 - 7 minutes until barely turning brown. Allow to cool for 1 minute on baking sheet and then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Note: Recipe from Frankenmouth Community Cookbook.
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1-1/2 teaspoon baking soda
extra granulated sugar
Preheat oven to 350 F. In a mixing bowl, beat together butter and 1 cup sugar until creamy. Add egg and molasses; beat until combined. Add the remaining ingredients and mix until well combined. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and roll in the extra granulated sugar. Place balls on ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 5 - 7 minutes until barely turning brown. Allow to cool for 1 minute on baking sheet and then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Note: Recipe from Frankenmouth Community Cookbook.
Plain and Simple Gift tags
Permanent Gift Tag in Red Alder with Distressed Ivory Finish
Give a Permanent Gift Tag that is beautiful enough to put on your tree! Shabby Chic in engraved red alder with distressed ivory finish. $6.00 Ornaments Amish Christmas
Stories, practices, beliefs.
- School Christmas Program
- One room schoolhouse Christmas program.
- Heartland Christmas
- How the Amish celebrate the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas)
- Amish Christmas Celebration
- An Amish couple exchange very practical gifts
- Crafts : Christmas Amish Angels : Home & Garden Television
- Amish Angels on HGTV
Amish Christmas Caramel Corn
Thanks Mrs. C!
She suggests we use Yoder's Ladyfinger popcorn if you can find it. Its wonderful.
Amish Christmas info
Caramel Corn -
7 qts.plain popped popcorn
2 c. dry roasted peanuts (optional)
2 c. semi sweet chocolate chips (optional)
2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. light corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1 c. margarine or butter
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Place the popped popcorn into two shallow greased baking pans. You may use roasting pans, jelly roll pans, or disposable roasting pans. If you are using peanuts, add them to the popped corn. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter/margarine and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring enough to blend. Once the mixture begins to boil, boil for 5 minutes while stirring constantly.
Remove from heat. Stir in baking soda and vanilla until the mixture is light and foamy. Immediately pour over the popcorn in the pans, and stir until corn is well coated.
Bake for 1 hour, removing the pans, and stirring the corn in the pans every 15 minutes or so.
Line the counter top with waxed paper. Dump the corn out onto the waxed paper and separate the pieces. Allow to cool completely, then store in airtight containers or resealable bags.
Amish Christmas info
Caramel Corn -
7 qts.plain popped popcorn
2 c. dry roasted peanuts (optional)
2 c. semi sweet chocolate chips (optional)
2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. light corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1 c. margarine or butter
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Place the popped popcorn into two shallow greased baking pans. You may use roasting pans, jelly roll pans, or disposable roasting pans. If you are using peanuts, add them to the popped corn. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter/margarine and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring enough to blend. Once the mixture begins to boil, boil for 5 minutes while stirring constantly.
Remove from heat. Stir in baking soda and vanilla until the mixture is light and foamy. Immediately pour over the popcorn in the pans, and stir until corn is well coated.
Bake for 1 hour, removing the pans, and stirring the corn in the pans every 15 minutes or so.
Line the counter top with waxed paper. Dump the corn out onto the waxed paper and separate the pieces. Allow to cool completely, then store in airtight containers or resealable bags.
The Savior is the reason for Christmas
The Amish strictly honor the birth of Christ
Just as the daily lives of the Amish are built around everything they believe the Gospels ask of a Christian, the onslaught of commercial Christmas is really out of place for the Amish. The decorations of their homes are plain and simple, and are more about reminders of holiness than images. These particular ornaments are simply silhouettes of words, more a reminder than a thing of dazzling beauty.Christmas Word Silhouette:Savior is engraved in red alder & ivory finish $6 Ornaments
Online Amish Mall
Plain and Simple Statement of Christmas
I have seen these pieces in many Amish homes. They serve as a reminder about the truth of their existence as a family and as a community. Again, the lack of images in their devotional life means they've developed some very beautiful but simple means to keep these reminders in front of themselves and their children.Alpha and Omega Architecture Series: N for Noel is 14.5 x 13.5
These are milled out of 1 1/2 inch stock, so they are designed to free stand or wall mount. Engraved with scripture or a saying, these make beautiful centerpieces, decorated for Christmas or just plain for a simple statement. $59.99 Noel
Online Amish Mall
Simplify for Your Soul
Simple Rejoicing
Perhaps the ONE thing that makes Christianity unique among all religions is this: Christianity is the ONLY religion where God loved humanity enough to actually come to us, and become incarnated in human flesh. God came looking for us.In EVERY OTHER RELIGION IN THE WORLD, God is a distant and unknowable entity, so far out there we can never really reach Him.
This point is never lost on the Amish. Gratitude for this very gracious and loving action on God's part sent the Angels singing on the night Jesus was born, proclaiming peace on earth and the good will of God toward humanity.
This completely unique action on God's part is a gift, THE Christmas gift, and they consider it sinful to take any of the glory of the season from God.
It is a time to rejoice, that while we were yet sinners, separated from God, that God loved us enough to come for us, to be with us, to love us and to show us the way to be with Him.
The Amish rejoice by singing hymns of Christmas praise to God, they share God's gift by giving things loved ones NEED, just as God knew we NEEDED Him, we needed Christmas night.
It is the beginning of a year where the Amish give each other what they need, and do not indulge in wants and frivolities. This simplicity and focus keeps them always ready to help their neighbor, keeps them disciplined enough to be able to provide for the needs of their community- elderly parents, disabled children, widows, orphans.
A simple soul, that reserves all glory to God, is a soul that is able to be God's hands and heart in the world.
Amish Christmas Candy
Pulled Molasses
1 cup Molasses
2 cups Brown Sugar
1 cup Water
3 T. Cider Vinegar
3 T. Butter
Combine the first 4 ingredents in a saucepan. Stir hard, cooking over medium heat until mixture boils. Lower heat,cook & stir about 30 minutes. Mixture will thicken. Cooking is done when a small amount (about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoonful) becomes brittle when dropped in a cup of cool water. Remove from stove. Add butter & stir. Pour into a buttered, shallow pan. Cool long enough so that candy can be handled. With buttered hands, stretch and pull candy until it is a light brown color. Cut in pieces & wrap in wax paper.
2 cups Brown Sugar
1 cup Water
3 T. Cider Vinegar
3 T. Butter
Combine the first 4 ingredents in a saucepan. Stir hard, cooking over medium heat until mixture boils. Lower heat,cook & stir about 30 minutes. Mixture will thicken. Cooking is done when a small amount (about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoonful) becomes brittle when dropped in a cup of cool water. Remove from stove. Add butter & stir. Pour into a buttered, shallow pan. Cool long enough so that candy can be handled. With buttered hands, stretch and pull candy until it is a light brown color. Cut in pieces & wrap in wax paper.
The Lord is My Light and Let it Shine
Let it Shine Series
The Lord is My Light and the Let it Shine tealight trays each measure 11 x 1.5 x 3.5. Green, Red or Blue. $29.99Online Amish Mall
Do you really want to buy Chinese Christmas Ornaments?
China is flooding the market again, this time with Christmas goods. China is communist, has no belief in God, and uses children at $.25 per day to make Christmas things.
- BBC NEWS | UK | England | Suffolk | Giant Christmas goods ship docks
- A ship, said to be the world's largest container vessel, docks in Felixstowe to unload Christmas goods.
- Counting on Christmas Statistics « Christmas Spirit
- Counting on Christmas Statistics
Books
Books and written materials about an Amish Christmas.
- An Amish Christmas
- Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis:
Fascination with the Amish culture has inspired movies and TV features. Here is a portrait of one family's Christmas celebration, from making meals to giving gifts and playing in the snow. Patrick's endearing pictures bring the simple joys of this family-centered community to vivid life. Full-color illustrations. - Coloring Book
- From Farm Country General Store, the coloring book about an Amish Christmas used for home schoolers.
Tours & Travel
Christmas in Amish country.... hmmmm
- Christmas Tour
- Special Tour of the Amish Country Homestead - This furnished nine-room Amish home is a Lancaster County Heritage Site. At the end of the guided tour, receive a yummy Christmas cookie from the oven and our unique recipe for "Scripture Cake."
- The Post-Journal, Jamestown New York
- Christmas Tour in Ohio Amish Country
- Amish Acres
- Indiana Amish Community
- Garden Gate Get-A-Way Bed & Breakfast - Millersburg (Holmes County), Ohio - BBOnline.com / Introduction
- Millersburg, Ohio Bed and Breakfast: Welcome to Holmes County, home of the largest Amish population in the United States. Just a few miles down the road, find quaint shops, Amish food, restaurants, golf courses, wineries and much, much more!
- National Christmas Center | Exhibits | Pennsylvania Christmas
- Five life-sized settings show turn-of-the-century Christmas customs which originated in Pennsylvania. See Belschnickle, the PA Dutch version of Santa Claus, visiting a log farm kitchen.
Marvel over a Pennsylvania Christmas Garden of the 1890's, and see a parlor with three walls decorated with a - Shipshewana.com - The Heart of Northern Indiana Amish Country
- Shipshewana.com - The Heart of Northern Indiana Amish Country
- Patchwork Quilt - In the heart of Northern Indiana Amish Country
- The Patchwork Quilt combines comfortable rooms with an award-winning restaurant in beautiful Northern Indiana Amish Country
Amish Christmas Links
Others experience Christmas the Amish and share what they've learned.
- Christmas Experience
- English invited to spend Christmas with an Amish family.
- Schoolhouse Program
- This outlines the way one-room Amish schoolhouses mark the Christmas holy day.
- Amish Information
- Brief descriptive information vignettes about Amish living
- German Christmas
- The German Traditions of Christmas do influence the Amish practices. Good article!
- Amish Style
- Nice article about celebrating holidays Amish style.
- Holy Cross Livonia
- Amish holiday information.
- An Amish Christmas
- Fun Problems for kids.
- The Amish, by A.M. Aurand [1938]: Religious Services Are Held In Their Houses and Barns
- The Amish, by A.M. Aurand [1938]--full text at sacred-texts.com
- NPR : Amish School: No Precedent for Shocking Tragedy
- The effects of the school shooting on Amish Christmas Children's Programs
Christmas Baking Books- So Good!
Usborne Christmas Baking for Children (Children's Cooking)
Amazon Price: $10.19 (as of 11/15/2009) 
Christmas Cookies: 50 Recipes to Treasure for the Holiday Season
Amazon Price: $13.22 (as of 11/15/2009)
Christmas Cookies Cookbook: Collection of Incredibly Edible Cookies Plus Nifty Packaging
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 11/15/2009)
Southern Living Big Book of Christmas Baking (Big Books)
Amazon Price: (as of 11/15/2009)
Bon Appetit Christmas: Entertaining, Holiday Baking, Gifts from the Kitchen
Amazon Price: (as of 11/15/2009)
General Christmas News
To have Christmas all year is to be faithful to the One it is about!
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The Plain and Simple life also means a plain and simple, but lovely and loving, Christmas. The high holy day of the Amish, excepting for Easter and t... (more)
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