Christmas time was a joyous time for us, even though we didn’t celebrate in a big way. There was something about the season, seeing the neighbors houses all decked in lights, that brought pure joy to our little hearts. It seemed so cozy.
I can still picture my sister, myself, and my little brother with our elbows perched on the window sill at dusk waiting for the lights to come on. We oohed and ahhed over all the different lights, and we were excited to see how they’d change things each year.
The weeks up to Christmas seemed exciting, and a bit secretive. Mom would buy huge bars of melting chocolate to make all kinds of sweet chocolate covered goodies to enjoy. At that time chocolate was not my favorite thing *gasp* and I ate way too many rice crispy treats, and cracker jacks instead.
On Christmas Eve after we were all in bed, Mom and Dad (or sometimes our older siblings) would set the table, and fill our plates with store bought candy, an organge, nuts, and sometimes a little toy or something extra. Christmas morning we’d wake up just as excited as if we had received an extravagant amount of gifts. ☺️ I don’t remember ever feeling let down or sad about only receiving candy, and things to eat.
I remember one Christmas when I was 6 or 7 I got a plastic clip key chain. After I left the Amish I carried my car keys on it for many years, and every time I’d see it I remembered the excitement around our Christmas breakfast table. Once I received a set of salt and pepper shakers that my family now uses daily. My kids enjoy hearing the story of how excited I was to receive them. 😃
Christmas Day was spent visiting other families or just being together, and eating way too much! 😃 December 26th was called 2nd day of Christmas, and we got to do whatever we wanted to. When we were old enough to do paying jobs we’d often try to find work, because we’d get to keep the money we earned. (On ordinary days all the money we earned went to mom and dad until we were 21)
New Year’s Day was another day that we got to keep the money we earned.
January 6th was considered old Christmas. However, we didn’t do gifts that day. The grown ups would fast until lunch time, and afternoon we’d often go visit friends.
Our school teachers always did a great job of making Christmas exciting, and made sure everyone got a little gift. 🎁
My husband Isaac, and I, have kept the tradition of keeping Christmas low key. On Christmas Eve we have a candle lit dinner using our fanciest China, I will cook our favorite foods, and Isaac makes a delightful rum cake. We get each of our children a little gift too. Our Christmas Eve dinners have become our favorite tradition so far. The kids talk about it all year. Christmas is my very favorite holiday to decorate for, and I’m always aching to put that tree up as soon as thanksgiving is over. Yes, I wait until after. ☺️
