Do the Amish celebrate Christmas?
Daniel Martin
Updated on June 03, 2026
Yes, they do, although their customs are much simpler than our “English” customs. They are oriented toward the family and the religious meaning of the holiday.
What do the Amish call their Christmas?
The Amish also celebrate what they call "Old Christmas." Old Christmas falls exactly 12 days from Christmas Day, and is the observance of the Epiphany or "Three Kings' Day" when the wise men came to Bethlehem to find the baby Jesus.
Do Amish give Christmas presents?
When Amish families gather, it's an all-day affair. The entire extended family assembles, and everyone brings food to share. Candies are made, chores are shared and there's a lot of catching-up. Typically, however, presents are not given.
Do the Amish celebrate Christmas and Easter?
When it comes to holidays, the Amish celebrate many of the same ones we “English” do. And though Amish holidays aren't likely to include our federal holidays like Columbus Day or Labor Day, many Amish observe other holidays such as Easter Monday, “second Christmas,” “Old Christmas,” Pentecost, and Ascension Day.
Can Amish drink alcohol?
New Order Amish prohibit alcohol and tobacco use (seen in some Old Order groups), an important factor in the original division.
16 related questions foundDo Amish believe in Santa Claus?
There are no lavishly decorated trees or lights around in the house, and the Amish children do not visit Santa Claus to have their picture taken, or tell him their wish list. They do share the making of special Christmas cookies and candies with us though, and they might decorate with greens and candles.
Do the Amish believe in God?
“Both Mennonites and Amish believe in one God eternally existing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-17). We believe that Jesus Christ, God's only Son, died on the cross for the sins of the world. We believe that the Holy Spirit convicts of sin, and also empowers believers for service and holy living.
What Bible do the Amish use?
In Old Order Amish services, scripture is either read or recited from the German translation of Martin Luther. Worship is followed by lunch and socializing. Church services are conducted in a mixture of Standard German (or 'Bible Dutch') and Pennsylvania German.
Do Amish have guns?
The Amish are a group of Christian religious communities that reject modern technology. They have traditionally shunned firearms and other weapons, but this has not stopped them from hunting with bows and arrows.
Do the Amish celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas?
With that said, most Amish communities recognize Pentecost, Easter, Christmas, Ascension Day, Good Friday and of course Thanksgiving. These are generally considered religious holidays; therefore, communities observe and celebrate them accordingly.
Why don't Amish celebrate Christmas?
In case you are wondering, “Do the Amish celebrate Christmas?” The answer to this question is “Yes”, the Amish do celebrate Christmas. They may not celebrate Christmas in the typical American fashion. But they still celebrate this holiday, remembering Jesus' birth.
Do the Amish celebrate Halloween?
The Amish do not typically celebrate July 4th, Memorial Day, Labor Day, or Halloween. They do not believe in going to war, so they don't celebrate the holidays concerning our freedom. They mostly celebrate religious holidays.
Do Amish people buy toilet paper?
They use toilet paper.
Amish use most modern inventions, even some technological ones such as diesel generators.
Do Amish have Social Security numbers?
Amish people do not have birth certificates or social security cards. This is because Amish babies are born at home and within the Amish community so they see no need for either of these documents.
How do Amish wipe?
The core of the legal showdown: What the Amish do with their poop. Instead of indoor plumbing and toilets, they use outhouses. They then dip out their waste by bucket, treat it with lime, mix it with animal manure and spread on their farm.
What is it called when Amish turns 16?
Rumspringa: Amish Teens Venture into Modern Vices When Amish children turn 16, the rules change. They're encouraged to experiment and explore. The idea is that teens will come back to the church after tasting the modern world. A new book explores this ritual, called rumspringa.
What do the Amish believe happens after death?
Like other Christian groups, the Amish believe in heaven and hell. However, unlike other branches of Christianity, the Amish believe that once a person has died, they're no longer there. They are immediately with God in the afterlife. Because of this, there is no praying for the deceased after they've passed.
Are the Amish allowed to read books?
These people read and read and read. I have never been in an Amish home that didn't have floor to ceiling bookshelves, filled with books. If painting with a broad brush, I'd say that most Amish prefer to read real-life inspirational stories or anecdotes, often with a Christian backdrop.
How do Amish make money?
Many are experienced tradesmen and their quality wares are in demand. Many of the Amish who choose not to farm go into skilled trades like furniture building, construction, and metal parts manufacturing, Wesner said. These products are often sold to those outside the Amish community.
What foods do Amish eat?
Amish main meals are usually built around hearty meat dishes, such as pork chops, ham, roast beef, or meatloaf. Dairy products, especially eggs and cheese, are also important dietary staples. The Amish are known throughout the country for the quality of the cheese they produce and market.
Do Amish marry more than one wife?
However, the Amish are rigidly attuned to the inner-workings of their faith, regardless of the denomination to which they belong. This means the traditional (and conservative) interpretation of marriage as being between one man and one woman is the only marriage that is conducted in Amish communities.
Do Amish have toilets?
More often than not, Amish houses did have indoor plumbing and regular bathrooms. Although there was that one place in the middle of nowhere with one outhouse and many children.
What is a typical Amish Christmas dinner?
The Christmas meal is usually quite elaborate including roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, salads, fruits, breads, cakes, cookies, pies and candies. Each family tends to have their own Christmas meal and gathering and with Amish families being so large, these gatherings can last well into February.
How do the Amish heat their homes?
As a result, only a select few Amish homes are built with coal furnaces insiasde them. Instead, most of Amish use wither fireplaces or wood-burning stoves to provide the necessary heat during the winter.
Do Amish people brush their teeth?
The Amish of southwestern Michigan live quiet lives in rural seclusion, yet they are rebels. They are fond of desserts and jams. They do not brush their teeth every day, and most do not floss. Yet, their children have half as many cavities as other U.S. children and they suffer less gum disease.