When I first started learning about Amish culture, one of the biggest questions that came up was whether they celebrate Christmas the same way most of us do.
Their simple lifestyle, strong faith, and separation from modern traditions make people naturally curious about their holidays.
The truth is, the Amish do celebrate Christmas but in a way that feels much more peaceful, humble, and centered on faith than the commercial version we’re used to seeing.
In this article, I’ll walk you through how Amish families observe Christmas and what makes their traditions so unique and meaningful.
Do Amish Celebrate Christmas?
Yes, the Amish do celebrate Christmas, but their approach feels beautifully different from what most of us are used to.
Instead of getting caught up in shopping, decorations, and endless holiday noise, Amish families focus on the spiritual meaning behind the day the birth of Jesus and the values of humility, faith, and togetherness.
Their celebrations are calm, heartfelt, and deeply rooted in Christian tradition. While practices can vary slightly between communities, Christmas remains an important and respected holiday in almost every Amish group.
Amish Beliefs About Christmas vs “English” Christmas
One thing that always stands out is how differently the Amish view Christmas compared to the “English,” which is their word for non-Amish people. For the Amish, Christmas isn’t about glamour or entertainment; it’s a reminder to slow down and appreciate God’s blessings.
They don’t emphasize flashy décor, expensive gifts, or Santa-themed celebrations. Instead, they focus on gratitude, modesty, and spending meaningful time with family.
This contrast highlights their desire to keep the holiday sincere and spiritually grounded, rather than commercialized.
How Do the Amish Celebrate Christmas Day?
Church Services and Faith
For many Amish families, Christmas begins with church or a small devotional gathering at home. Services include Bible readings related to Jesus’ birth, heartfelt sermons, and traditional hymn singing.
Everything is simple and solemn, allowing families to truly reflect on the spiritual meaning of the holiday. It’s less about ceremony and more about connection to God, to faith, and to the community.
Family Gatherings and Meals
After worship, families often come together for a large, home-cooked meal. It’s usually a relaxed, joyful time where generations sit around the table enjoying dishes like roasted meats, mashed potatoes, homemade bread, and classic Amish desserts.
The day is filled with long conversations, laughter, and plenty of visiting between relatives and neighbors. Amish homes on Christmas feel cozy in the most genuine way no big displays, just warmth and togetherness.
Gift Giving the Amish Way
The Amish do exchange gifts, but they keep it simple and practical. You’ll often find presents like handmade quilts, wooden toys, clothes, or useful household items. Children might receive a few small surprises, but nothing extravagant or overwhelming.
The goal is to give from the heart, not to impress. Many of the gifts are homemade, which adds an extra layer of meaning and love.
Singing, Games, and Community Time
As the day winds down, families often spend time singing Christmas carols, reading poems, or enjoying small plays especially if children take part.
Some communities hold quiet gatherings where neighbors join in simple songs and storytelling. Board games, homemade snacks, and long, easy conversations fill the evening. It’s a celebration built on relationships rather than entertainment.
Do the Amish Believe in Santa Claus?
One of the most common questions people ask is whether Amish children grow up believing in Santa Claus. The simple answer is no. Amish parents generally avoid promoting Santa because they prefer to keep Christmas focused on Jesus rather than on fictional characters.
They believe honesty is important, so they don’t want to create stories that might confuse children later on.
However, Amish kids do sometimes hear about Santa from “English” neighbors or see him in shops when they’re out in town.
Their parents usually explain Santa as a fun idea that other families enjoy, but not someone who brings gifts into Amish homes. This approach helps them respect outside traditions without shifting the focus away from faith.
Why Some Amish Celebrate Two Christmases (December 25 & Old Christmas)
Something many people don’t know is that the Amish often observe two Christmas celebrations. The first is the familiar December 25, where they gather for worship, family meals, and gift giving. The second is January 6, known as Old Christmas.
Old Christmas connects back to the old Julian calendar and is traditionally seen as the day the Wise Men visited Jesus. For many Amish families, January 6 is a quieter, more reflective day.
Some fast until noon, others enjoy another family meal, and most Amish businesses remain closed. It’s not a big celebration but more of a spiritual pause another chance to honor the deeper meaning of the season.
What the Amish Do Not Do at Christmas
While Amish Christmas traditions are warm and meaningful, there are also several things they intentionally avoid.
For example, you won’t find any flashy decorations, twinkling lights, plastic Santas, or outdoor displays in Amish communities. Their homes stay simple and undecorated because they believe Christmas should be a time of reflection, not show.
They also stay away from the commercial rush no Black Friday shopping, no crowded malls, and no pressure to buy expensive gifts.
Another thing they avoid is loud parties, drinking, or entertainment-focused celebrations. Their goal is to keep the holiday humble and centered on faith rather than on materialism or noise.
FAQs
They do celebrate Christmas, but in a much simpler and faith-focused way. Their traditions avoid commercialism and focus more on Jesus and family time.
Yes, but their gifts are usually handmade, practical, and modest. The goal is meaningful giving, not large or expensive presents.
Many Amish communities observe Old Christmas as a quiet, reflective holiday. It’s often connected to the visit of the Wise Men.
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Conclusion
Learning about how the Amish celebrate Christmas gives us a refreshing reminder that the holiday can be peaceful, meaningful, and beautifully simple. While they do celebrate December 25 just like we do, their focus stays firmly on faith, family, and gratitude rather than decorations or shopping.
Their traditions may look different from ours, but they highlight the true heart of Christmas remembering the birth of Jesus and spending time with the people who matter most.
In a world that often feels rushed and commercialized during the holidays, the Amish way of celebrating Christmas offers a gentle reminder that sometimes the simplest traditions are the ones that stay with us the longest.