#95 May 2015 Amish of Pennsylvania and Christmas Around the World

Pennsylvania is a state of contrasts. The western side is rugged and industrial but isolated by the rocky nature of the landscape. The eastern side is pastoral with rolling hills and green farmland.

Covered bridges dot the hillsides and creeks.

In the east the Amish or Plain people are an integral part of Lancaster County. The clip-clop of horse’s hooves is a soothing, old-world sound along the roads.

The Amish are industrious farmers and their produce is available in farmer’s markets and stores. The green fields and tidy farmyards with white buildings are reminiscent of an earlier era when farming was a slower way of life.

In Lancaster communities one of the first images is of beautiful, locally made quilts. In people’s homes, each quilt is made one at a time using the technology that was common 150 years ago. One woman may make a quilt or several women may contribute their expertise to each quilt.

For themselves the Amish and Mennonite families use traditional patterns usually with plain fabrics.

Quilts for sale may be plain or fancy.

Ralph’s mother and a neighbour made quilts for family and friends. Everyone had a quilt including the girl’s dolls. I have many pictures of our quilts but they are in Surrey in our storage locker. This is the pattern they used most often.

Amish meals are legendary for their quality and down home cooking. There are many restaurants serving traditional meals either at long tables or buffet style. The food is delicious.

Many stores cater specifically to the Plain people and provide parking for the buggies.

Children everywhere are often bored with everyday life.

And they are curious about the world around them.

The Amish celebrate Christmas with reverent simplicity, focusing on family and the meaning of Christ’s birth. Family members typically exchange small practical gifts. Christmas cards, often handmade, are distributed to their Amish and “English” friends.

In keeping these simple, meaningful family traditions, the Amish observe Christmas the way most North Americans celebrated it over 100 years ago.

In the town of Paradise, “The National Christmas Center Family Attraction & Museum” provides a journey through memories of Christmases past and present, near and far.

Who remembers Christmas at Woolworth’s store?

And this is when credit cards started!

Coca-Cola anyone?

Christmas now with LED lights and elaborate settings.

Grandfather Frost of Russia.

St. Lucia of Sweden.

Father Christmas of the United Kingdom.

Wherever Christmas is celebrated the birth of Christ is the reason.