A Love Letter Under The red Bud Tree written by Katie Carmack

Chapter 19: Christmas Celebrations with the Miller Family

Christmas was a magical time for the Miller family, filled with cherished traditions, joyful gatherings, and the warmth of love and community. Each year, they celebrated the holiday season with a blend of Amish customs and their own unique family traditions.

Preparing for Christmas

The preparations for Christmas began weeks in advance. The farmhouse was filled with the scent of freshly baked cookies, cinnamon rolls, and pecan pies, as Emily and Grace spent hours in the kitchen, creating delicious treats for the holiday.

Baking and Decorating: Emily and Grace enjoyed baking together, creating an array of festive goodies. They decorated the farmhouse with handmade ornaments, wreaths, and garlands. The children helped by crafting paper snowflakes and stringing popcorn garlands, adding their own creative touches to the decorations.

Gift Making: The Miller family valued handmade gifts, and everyone participated in creating thoughtful presents for each other. Ethan and Matthew worked in the workshop, crafting wooden toys and furniture. Lily and Clara made beautiful drawings and paintings, while Emma created intricate wooden sculptures. The process of making gifts was filled with love and anticipation.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was a special night, filled with traditions that brought the family together.

Candlelit Service: The family attended a candlelit service at the community's meetinghouse. The soft glow of the candles and the harmonious singing of hymns created a serene and reverent atmosphere. The service was a time for reflection and gratitude, reminding everyone of the true meaning of Christmas.

Storytelling by the Fire: After the service, the family gathered around the fireplace. Jacob and Emily shared stories of their own childhood Christmases, as well as the story of the first Christmas. The children listened with wide eyes, captivated by the tales of love, faith, and miracles.

Exchanging Gifts: The family exchanged their handmade gifts on Christmas Eve. The joy of giving and receiving thoughtful presents created a sense of connection and appreciation. Each gift was a testament to the love and effort that went into making it, and the smiles and laughter that filled the room were priceless.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day was a time of celebration, filled with activities that brought joy and togetherness.

Christmas Morning: The children woke up early, eager to see what surprises awaited them. They found small stockings filled with treats and handmade toys, a tradition that Emily had started. The excitement and laughter of the morning set the tone for the day.

Festive Breakfast: Emily prepared a special Christmas breakfast, featuring her famous cinnamon rolls, fresh fruit, and hot cocoa. The family gathered around the table, enjoying the delicious meal and each other's company. The warmth and love shared during breakfast made it a cherished tradition.

Outdoor Fun: If there was snow, the family spent part of the day outside, building snowmen, sledding, and having snowball fights. Caleb and Ethan often led the charge, while Grace and Clara enjoyed making snow angels. The outdoor fun was a highlight of the day, filled with laughter and playful competition.

Community Gathering

In the afternoon, the Miller family joined the larger community for a Christmas gathering. This event was a time for everyone to come together, share a meal, and celebrate the holiday.

Potluck Feast: Each family brought their favorite dishes to share, creating a bountiful feast. Emily's pecan pie and cinnamon rolls were always a hit, and the variety of homemade dishes showcased the community's culinary talents. The meal was a time for fellowship and gratitude, as everyone enjoyed the delicious food and each other's company.