This guest post comes to us from Featured Foodie Kevin Williams. Kevin is an author and researcher of Amish culinary culture. Thanks Kevin for the great information about Amish holiday culture.
The Amish have a serious, somber reputation. However, the image of a severe, austere Amish person is rather undeserved. In my 25 years chronicling Amish culture, I have encountered some of the most jolly and funny people I’ve ever met. Whether it be a biting joke or something more slapstick like putting a whoopie cushion on a buggy seat, Amish culture is one filled with unexpected humor and fun. While the holidays have deep religious reverence for the Amish, it doesn’t mean the festive days aren’t filled with enjoyment.
I often get asked about whether the Amish decorate their homes for the holidays. The answer to this question is generally “no,” at least not in the same way non-Amish culture does with festive lights and Christmas trees. You will often find mantles adorned with colorful Christmas cards that have been received from friends and relatives over the holidays. If they don’t have a mantle, you’ll likely see the cards taped to the wall around a main kitchen or living room entryway. Exchanging Christmas cards is a time-honored tradition among the Amish.
Other decorations you’ll find in an Amish home for the holidays would include plants of various types: poinsettias are popular as are Christmas cactuses. Both adorn a room with natural blooming beauty.
Another popular “decoration”: food! Whether it be bright cheery Christmas cookies, decked out gingerbread men, or festive tins of fudge, the tastes of the season may be the most popular decor of all. It just doesn’t last long, because it’s such tasty decor that it gets eaten. With the Amish recipes below, you can “decorate” like the Amish for Christmas!
4 Easy Amish Recipes for the Holidays
Old-Fashioned Amish Pear Cake – While you are singing about that partridge in a pear tree, you can be preparing pears to go into this delicious cake that has become a staple in Amish kitchens around the holidays.
Sour Cream Cut-Out Christmas Cookies – Amish children love to help make this soft, delicious cookies!
Baked Chocolate Fudge Pudding – Who needs figgy pudding when you can have fudge pudding? Make this dessert and you’ll be singing “bring me some fudgy pudding.” This decadent dessert has become a December staple in Amish homes.
Amish Dinner Rolls – Nothing like a basket of fresh, homemade dinner rolls to add yumminess to Christmas or Thanksgiving supper. Try this popular recipe today!
What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
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