Merry Christmas? For most of Lawrence County’s Amish people, today, January 6, is Christmas!

With some 1,500 adherents, Lawrence County is home to one of the largest Old Order Amish communities in the South. The Old Order Amish observe some holidays that the rest of us may not celebrate. One of those holidays is Old Christmas.

When European nations began switching from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar in the 16th century, 11 days were lost to make up for discrepancies in the old system. At that time, some felt that it was sacrilegious to move the celebration of Christ’s birth, and those people continued to celebrate Christmas on January 6, as it fell on the old lunar calendar.

Lawrence County’s Old Order Amish continue this centuries-old tradition. Today, those who celebrate Old Christmas in Lawrence County will awaken early and fast from breakfast. They will then spend time praying and reading the Bible with their immediate family. Around noon, the fast is broken and they will eat a meal together, oftentimes while visiting with extended family members.

Although traditionally no gifts are exchanged during Old Christmas, it is permissible for Amish teachers to give some candy to their students for the occasion.

Merry Old Christmas, Lawrence County!