Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells. Silent Night, Holy Night. Joy to the World. Sleigh bells ringing. Santa Claus. Flashing yard ornaments. Overloaded twinkling Christmas trees surrounded by stacks of elaborate gifts. Oh, the excitement at an annual high!
These are just a few of the familiar sights, sounds, and sentiments many of us enjoy at the Christmas season.
However, this is not what you would experience if you entered an Amish home in most communities on Christmas day.
You would find that the most obvious indications of Christmas time in the Amish culture are not decorations. Instead, you’ll find a large gathering of friends or families, the aroma of a tremendous array of delicious food preparations, and a smorgasbord of irresistible homemade candies of nearly every variety imaginable!
Traditionally, before the Amish family leaves in the morning for the family gathering, the Christmas story is read from Luke chapter 2 as a reminder of the birth of Jesus Christ.
The rest of the day is spent enjoying friends and family, playing games, singing Christmas carols, and stuffing oneself to the verge of gluttony.
Gifts are generally reserved for their immediate family if finances enable them the luxury to do so. Large families with ten, twelve, or fifteen children often opt for the rare treat of a piece of store bought candy on each plate at the breakfast table on Christmas morning. (The Amish parents refuse to teach their children that Santa brought it.) The level of excitement, appreciation, and gratitude expressed by the recipients of this humble gift would serve as a convicting reminder that less is often more!
It seems to be a proven fact that the less children are lavished with gifts, the more they are able to sincerely appreciate one, no matter the size. No gift is ever large enough or expensive enough to satisfy an ungrateful heart, young or old alike.
Speaking for myself, the greatest joy of giving a gift is not in the size or value of the gift, but seeing that one receive it with sparkling eyes and with sincere gratitude.
I’m truly thankful for this valuable lesson my parents taught their children. I’ve never suffered for lack of the “big gifts” my parents couldn’t afford.
Christmas can be a joyous day of celebration and fun festivities for the Amish and non-Amish alike when we keep our focus on the “reason for the season,” the birth of our Redeemer.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11
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Find out more in my book, The Greater Inheritance. Be sure to pick up a copy for yourself or a friend! Order soon to get it before Christmas!