The Amish school near me came caroling to my home. Big group of children with their teacher riding in a wagon pulled by two draft horses. So very kind of them.
In Southern Appalachia "Old Christmas" is also still celebrated. The Christmas starts January 1st and last till January 6th. They are not Amish families just families with very old Appalachian roots.
My one Amish neighbor fills her house with poinsettias. Then she has a pine spray on her front door. We exchanged baked goods and recipes earlier this week.
I live in Lancaster County Pennsylvania, I enjoy watching the buggy’s go by my house all the time Last month I had a buggy full of Amish riding by singing “Jingle Bells “ made my day Christmas in July Lol
Thank you Eric for your thoughtful coverage of Amish families. Amish have been relocating to Montana of late including our new neighbor, Dwight. The past two summers we invited Dwight to pasture his small cattle herd on our pastures, free of charge. We ended up buying one of his steers for butcher. December 19 they arranged to come a-caroling. Half their church community showed up at 6 pm during a pretty good snowstorm. They sang 5 carols for us. Babies in arms up to fathers of 6, they knew every word by heart. We invited them inside for mulled cider from our small orchard. They worried about bring in dirt but I told them our floor can handle a crowd. We so enjoyed our visit with children and adults. One mom told us she just arrived from Pennsylvania which I imagined as the motherland of sorts. Several asked about the age and history of our orignal farmhouse; something they truly appreciate is historical buildings. The men and boys were asking loads of questions about hunting as we have a few wall mounts. As they filed out to get back into the many vans and SUVs they said they were heading to their church for a re-gathering. We so enjoyed the simple gift of their time and song - and they did give us a basket of fruit, just like your video mentioned.
What area are they relocating to and why? My husband and I just visited great falls mt for a possible job transfer, however that area had absolutely no trees just prairies and we were a little disheartened since trees on a homestead becomes pretty important
@@slee7991 Bitterroot Valley which is western Mt south of Missoula. Great Falls, Havre, Shelby on east (High Line it’s called), are all like that...high winds with serious weather. Look at Columbus, Lewistown, or Columbia Falls, for a good mix of tree and pasture lands. Prices are coming down finally.
We have Amish relocated here in Toston Montana. I've hired them to do a reroof on tne house, the job was prefect, we were so pleased to have a job well done. Enjoy them anytime we cross paths with they. Such sincere, true people.
Caroling is nice. I live in a Amish area. I see they've abuse to their women. They don't talk about that. Much harder life than you could imagine. Have your babies at home n no pain medication. No birth control.
@@Redandwhiteroses283 Evil may be found in every community, religious and non-, on the face of the Earth. That fact doesn't negate the joys and honest good will in them.
@@arrjee3176A religion does not change 50 miles up the road , each Amish have different beliefs and rules which can change in the blink of a eye….leaving the community means you are shunned, SA on your son or daughter? You can confess your sins and your good to go ….. Yes there is good and evil everywhere, the difference being? The Amish are ok with SA, R, Insest . Shunning? No that’s a CULT , If I don’t go to church my neighbours do not shun me …. Pretty in a bow is not real life …
Bless these people for how they live and the hard work they do. I am a born again Christian and living in today's world, it is very difficult or almost impossible to make it. I understand now why the Amish stay away from the world and the worldly people. They are the (normal people). Worldly people are the ones that are not.
Amish cultural attributes to appreciate: 1- Craftsmanship 2- Tasty treats 3- Work ethic 4- Dedication to their faith 5- Self-reliance 6- More:_______ (please list below)
Merry Christmas, Erik. I always appreciate your videos. I love seeing how the “other” Amish live as I am English living in Salisbury Township, Lancaster, PA. My wife and I have many Amish friends here - more Amish than English, in fact. My wife attended a Christmas gathering last Tuesday with one of our closest Amish families. She was front row (with the grandparents), and at the end of the gathering, all of the younger children on stage began pelting Hershey Kisses at the audience. It was all part of the gathering and all in fun. So many people just have no idea how much fun the Amish have and how much they are like non-Amish in so many ways, yet also, so very different. Your channel brings a lot of this to light to the uninformed in a very real way, and I appreciate it. Thank you!
My siblings and I went with my aunt, uncle and our cousins to visit some family friends near Lancaster, PA., summer of 1975 (Pequea). I can remember to this day seeing the Amish riding in their buggies on the winding roads. I also remember the term "Pennsylvania Dutch". I don't remember what that means, but it stuck with me.
Merry Christmas Eric. We had a major storm roll through our area A week ago, I spent A lot of time helping my Neighbors both Amish and English with my Skidder and saws , Lots of down trees. We had a gathering afterwards at A home near me, Shepards stew over potatoes, Our game for adults is cribbage. I was invited to their home for Christmas meal, The woman of the house told me to bring a dish to take home leftovers, (She always sends her eldest with cookies it's our code for they would like help with a machine) Such sweet folks!
So simple and cozy! I would feel quite at home in the spotless and airy kitchen I saw. I don't get a sense of deprivation at all, but joy, togetherness and peace.
They are very holy humble people.Extreemly good cooks& very much like any good Christian. They are hard working.we could learn alot from them,as they aren't as materialistic.Good people.👍🙏
I'm glad you mentioned the old Christmas. My friend that is amish said they celebrate Christmas in their home with their spouse and kids. And on old Christmas they will get together with their family. I think that is pretty cool
In Cuba we celebrated Jan 6th also. That's when we'd receive toys that were handmade. My Mom was a seamstress, and I absolutely loved finding my homemade doll every year. I've kept that tradition all my life. Decorations come down on the 7th
I live in northwest Pennsylvania Pennsylvania and there is Mennonites and Amish in the rural villages. Mennonites are open mind to modern life but still have traditional religious beliefs. Mennonites celebrate holidays around their religious beliefs, meaning the Christmas parties and hobby groups are at the church. Most Mennonites and Amish are homesteaders/ farmers.
As a child in Wisconsin, we attended a one room country school. The Christmas Program was the highlight of the school year. Family and neighbors attended. Every child in the school participated.
Another great video. My mom and I made several gingerbread houses from scratch and dropped one off to the woman at the local bulk foods store as we'd purchased some of our ingredients there. I truly enjoy living so close to the Amish!
I’ve heard it being called, “Second Christmas”. I didn’t know that it was a thing until I was invited to it as a Christmas party two years ago. It was one of my favorite times being with my Amish friends.
We have one Amish settlement in Texas around Beeville, down south. My grandmother was from that area but left king before the Amish settled there. I'd REALLY like to go visit during auction time. Maybe soon. I believe as I get older (facing 50 in a few months) I long for a simpler, less chaotic way to do life. While the Amish life is far from perfect, I believe they may have a better grasp on the more important things in life. Things like people over "stuff". Taking care of community, when Amish or Englisch, is a much higher priority than owning material goods (luxuries).
I grew up Mennonite/Old Order Bible Brethren and went to an Amish/Mennonite mixed school. I would say my upbringing was similar to this just a tad more "modern". Gifts were store bought as well as homemade. Christmas eve was when we did our exchange, and Christmas morning was spent at church no matter what day it fell on. When I grew up, I did Santa for my kids. I don't truly regret it, BUT in some ways, if I could go back, I would change it. Ya see, Santa has no budget, mom and dad did. Was more stress than enjoyment. There is something to be said for the simpler way of life. I have reverted back to quite a bit of simpler living. TIME is the most PRECIOUS gift in my opinion now. Even though there seems to be so much of it, there really isn't. Good video!!! First of yours I have seen. Will be binge watching now!
May I ask you, and forgive my ignorance, what is the distinction between Amish and Mennonite? I am curious because where I grew up in the deep south we never saw either Amish or Mennonite communities. Now that I have recently moved to NW Tennessee and my sister to Hopkinsville Kentucky, we see these folks often. How can I learn to tell the differences? Thankyou in advance ☺
We are not Amish but always celebrated Little Christmas on January 6th. We still have a special dinner with the immediate family. On January 7th all the Christmas decorations are taken down and packed away
Many cultures celebrate Jan 6th. In Italy, they celebrate Befana visiting the infant,, similar to the 3 kings. Gifts are exchanged and children have great fun!
Pass my thanks along to Rebecca and wish her a Blessed Christmas and Old Christmas for me. Thanks and Blessed Christmas to you, too, Eric. That Gregorian calendar sent quite a few people into a miff back in the day. The Eastern Orthodox Churches still hold to the old Julian calendar, too. I think we all learn that Julius Caesar noticed that the seasons were out of whack with the calendar he inherited, so he called for the Leap Year to reset it. I think he inserted his own month (July) as well. Then his successor Augustus inserted August. There's probably a lot of legend in that account, but regardless, that's the Julian calendar that the Amish go by to celebrate Old Christmas. For what it's worth, the Orthodox just call it Christmas, and chide the Western Church (especially Catholics) for mucking around with things. But the reason the days were removed that one year during the reign of Pope Gregory (I forget his number) is because the seasons were out of whack again. For myself, I celebrate Advent as a time of penance and preparation, then Christmas from December 25 through Candlemas, which is February 2. Epiphany is just one of the observances throughout the entire Christmas Season.
We live in a large Amish area. We went to Grabill in Indiana today as one owns the antique mall. I don’t remember seeing any decorations on the farms.. thank you for this and Merry Christmas!
It might be that they don't display them there generally. So I was just in a spin-off community from Grabill in Kentucky a few days ago, and I don't recall much if any Christmas decor there either.
6th of Jan little Christmas is celebrated by many in Ireland. Many call it womens day. Day off for women, they usually spend it with friends and sisters. Day for themselves away from cooking. It's a reward for all the preparations and work they did for Christmas time.
As always another outstanding video packed full of great actuate well researched unbiased information..New Wilmington Pa is just a 45min drive to the south of where I live here in western Pa..if you ever get the wonderlust to venture out to Western Pennsylvania and do some videos Atlantic and Fredonia Pa are a huge Amish community and are only a few mins drive apart from each other with the town I live in right in the middle of the two..Middlefield OH is about a 45min to an hour's drive to the west of us..plenty of places to stay here with the Amish or there's actually a couple hotels here..one small very nice clean family owned and a new Comfort Suites ..don't know why they built a Comfort Suites in such a very small town but the place is busy all the time..great video..I always learn something new from them and I've lived with the Amish all my 61yrs..Merry Christmas and my God bless you and your family and friends..🎄🙏🏻☦️👍
I live on a farm in a large Amish/Mennonite community and I love my neighbors. Honest, generous, peaceful, Christian, and know farming ways long forgotten by all, except them. Merry Christmas/ Happy Hanukkah to all and I wish you may know the peace and happiness we have.
I have a friend who is Serbian Orthodox and they celebrate easter at a different time, it sounds like the Amish and Old Christmas, Thank you for sharing this!
Ohio born and raised here, I’ve met tons of Amish families my ex boyfriend’s best friend was a Amish guy name Noah and he kept Derricks giant Belgian horses for him
I love this video. Thank you. We have Amish in our community also. I did wonder how they celebrate Christmas and other holidays. In fact--I am getting ready now to go to an Amish store for some homemade donuts!!
What a lovely custom. This is one I may take up. It extends a season of comfort joy and peace on Earth. Jesus will smile I am sure. Thanks for another great video.
In Poland, we have Christmas Eve which is most important one but is also a normal workday, then first holiday at 25th and then second holiday at 26th and then at January 6 we have another holiday which we call Three Kings Holiday or Epiphany.
Thanks so much for this video Eric. This definitely answered questions I had. I find it comforting that as different we all may be this season brings us all together in the season of joy, doing similar things. My moms family is Italian, so January 6th was always celebrated in our home. Another large gathering with family occurred, and then on the 7th we then were able to take our Christmas decorations down. Yes it's the Epiphany but we always called it little Christmas. Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year.
Erik, Thank You for sharing and showing how the Amish live and celebrate life and holidays. Your videos are always very insightful and interesting. I hope you hand your family had a nice Christmas Holiday and a Healthy Ney Year.
Merry Christmas Eric. Thanks for the video w/so much information. Also a lot of info from the others that are commenting. Never knew about Old Christmas tradition. Do know that those who are Orthodox Christian celebrate Christmas on Jan. 5th (Eve) & 6th (Day). Sounds like the Amish have a lot of fun & feasting. Hope you have/had a wonderful Christmas.
Thanks for the kind wishes Kathy and Merry belated Christmas to you too. Glad you liked the video, some of them I pack more info into than others :) And yes I don't think Amish people are immune from holiday pounds either (though chores come in handy for that)
Most primary (elementary) schools here in the UK will have shows at Christmas where children act out the Nativity or have a big carol service for the parents.
The big difference between how modern families get together today, and how the Amish get together is technology - or in the case of the Amish, the lack of it, which is a good thing! I can picture many families today messing around on their phones, watching football and playing video games. Not much opportunity for real person to person interaction. And there's nothing to "catch up on", because everyone knows what you've been up to, before you even hit the door. My extended family gatherings over 50 years were a hybrid of the two. My family was very "clannish" and male oriented. After the big family dinner, the men watched football, while the women cleaned up the kitchen. And after we were done, we joined the men in watching the game. No time for the women to visit among themselves. We did play games, however, like charades, etc., and we sang. And we had a huge gift exchange. It was a lot of fun! On the other hand, there was a lot of drinking. In the old country, where my family was from (Eastern Europe), it was customary to entertain in your home, instead of going to the local pub or bar.
In uk decorations are taken down on the 6th of Jan or before as it is bad luck to have them longer although the late queen had her tree up until February until another Christan date. Not sure what it is
The lack of Santa decorations did not surprise me. But I am surprised that Nativity scenes, stars, and other biblical decorations arent more prevalent with such a pious people
Have you ever seen " Pennsylvania Dutch Night Before Christmas" ? It's a cute book we used to read when we were younger. There are a few readings on Utube.
My family is from Puerto Rico and we also do the January 6 th holiday the 3 Wise Kings Day and that’s why after New Years they don’t take their decorations off , kids get gift this day and they practice putting a box with hay under their bed and the find gifts. Hello from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, I am use to the Amish here
Nice, you got it! :) I stopped in at Four Mile furniture down the road, and Four Mile Bulk food. Great visits at both, will have videos from each. Really had a nice impression of that community
When I was growing up their used to be Amish all over then the community changed and they all moved away it sad to see this community change I wish I lived near them good people
My dad's ancestors were Pennsylvania Dutch that settled New Philadelphia Pennsylvania and Ohio and the Appalachians and Tennessee and Ozarks and were kicked out of Switzerland and Germany and Austria during the Protestant Reformation.
