Holidays in an Amish Household

It is amazing to me how many people love to read books about the Amish. One of the most frequent emails I receive is, “I love their simple lifestyle.” There’s something about slowing down and focusing on what is important that appeals to us.

Do the Amish celebrate Thanksgiving? Yes! The communities and families I have visited with most certainly do, but — you guessed it, they celebrate in a simplified way.

I thought I’d make a list of things the Amish do not do. Things that I’ve been guilty of at various times in my life. I hope you enjoy it!

1) The Amish do not stay up until midnight the night before cooking everyone’s favorite recipe.

2) The Amish don’t spend an inordinate amount of money on this or any holiday.

3) The Amish don’t try to stage the “perfect dinner.”

4) The Amish don’t rush in to the grocery store 3 times on Thanksgiving morning, because they keep forgetting how many eggs they’ll need or sticks of margarine.

5) The Amish don’t sit around watching television all day on Thanksgiving.

6) The Amish don’t drive for miles and miles to see friends or loved ones.

7) The Amish don’t go out for their Thanksgiving meal.

Now I’m not saying there’s anything WRONG with these things. Remember, I’ve done them all at one time or another. But when we skip these–and other–things, we simplify our holiday. We remember to spend time with one another, to be grateful, and to rest.

I pray that your Thanksgiving is a wonderful one.

Blessings,

V~