Old Christmas is a time for reflecting, visiting family among Ohio's Amish

Christmas has come and gone for most, but for the Amish community in and around Holmes County, Old Christmas is celebrated Jan. 6.

The holiday, however, is not about excessive shopping, overindulging at parties and lavishly decorated trees. It's an old-fashioned celebration built around honoring family — a solemn occasion with the emphasis on reflecting and visiting.

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According to Marcus Yoder, executive director of the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center in Berlin, Old Christmas, also known as Epiphany, commemorates the Magi bringing their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem.

“This is a holiday that has been in existence since the early church,” Yoder said. “Many churches, not just the Amish, celebrate Epiphany.

“It is a way for us to return to our roots, our faith, our community and our family,” he continued. “When we keep these holidays, it gives us a chance to connect with family, which is one of the biggest things. It may seem old fashioned, but by keeping this tradition, it gives us an opportunity to spend time with our family.” 

It also gives the Amish community a chance to connect with history.

History of Old Christmas

Until the 1600s, Christmas was celebrated on Jan. 6.

In 1582, the Julian calendar (which was based on phases of the moon) was discarded in favor of the modern Gregorian calendar. Pope Gregory XIII deleted 10 days from the calendar to make it match the seasons of the year.

That led to Christmas Day being celebrated on Dec. 25, though many protestant groups, including the Anabaptist, continued to celebrate Christmas on Jan. 6, leading to the name Old Christmas.

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The Amish kept their tradition of celebrating Old Christmas while also adopting the Dec. 25 holiday of mainstream culture — essentially celebrating Christmas twice.

Old Christmas is recognized around the world in countries such as France, Germany, Austria and other parts of Europe. In America, it is notably the Amish who celebrate Epiphany.

Closed for Old Christmas

Historically, the day starts with a fast until noon and then a large meal is enjoyed later in the day.

Amish employees typically do not work on Old Christmas, and many Amish-staffed businesses are closed for the holiday.

The East Holmes Schools, which serve several hundred Amish students at the elementary level, are in session on Jan. 6, and the Amish students are excused from school for the day.

Staff at Mount Hope, Flat Ridge, Chestnut Ridge and Wise elementary schools, use the day to get other work done.

“We are in session as a district, but it is a day where our Amish students generally don’t attend,” East Holmes Superintendent Erik Beun said. “It’s often a nice work day for buildings to work through lots of things. The staff generally takes advantage of that time of not having kids there.”

Junior Yoder of the Cabin Store in Mount Hope said his store, like many Amish establishments will be closed for Old Christmas.

"Thursday is a day we'll spend with family," he said. "No gift exchange or anything like that. Just a nice meal and a day with the family."