Natural Designs Studio

For the past few years it has been my privilege  to hear the Amish children practice their Christmas program.  It is an experience that takes me back in time.

As I approach the school house I notice the red and blue lunch coolers lined  outside the entry way.  I knock on the door and wait to be invited inside. There is one step into the double doors and the warmth of the woodstove is a pleasant greeting.  The teacher places a blue chair next to the door and says "You may sit down". I give the teacher a bag of peppermints.  I am then handed a black composition book with a pen and asked to sign the "Guest Book".  The notebook is filled with names and comments so I write a brief 'thank you - enjoy the singing'.

As the children work quietly I see they are in their stocking feet. The hardwood floors are clean and shiny.  The room is warm and some windows are opened a few inches.  At the front of the room above the wall to wall blackboard is the alphabet in print and cursive.  On the teacher's desk is a hand bell like the school on "Little House".

The teacher tells the children to stop working and to get their singing books.  The boys are seated on the left and the girls are on the right.  They stand in the same manner across the front of the room.  The aisle is between them at all times.  Some of the children recognize me and smile.

They raise their hands to be chosen as the lead singer.  The lead singer begins the first measure of every verse in solo and then the others join in.  It is like no other style of singing I have ever heard.  I find it interesting how heartily the boys sing.  Two of the songs I did not know but was able to hum along on the "First Noel". 

At the conclusion, the teacher dismisses them by saying the parents name and the children give their name then take their seats.  In that way I am able to associate the children with their parents.    Everything is orderly and quiet so it seems inappropriate to clap.  I stand and say "Thank you for sharing your music and a Merry Christmas to everyone".  The teacher states that Mrs. Yoder gave us some candy and would the children tell her 'thank you'.   We exchange smiles and I quietly leave the little school and world of yesterday.  


 

My Amish neighbors may not agree when it comes to gift giving!   I stopped for eggs and the farmer's wife was cleaning  four chickens.  She was keeping one for herself, preparing two for orders, and giving one to the mailman as a Christmas present.  I asked how she would get the chicken to the mailman and she said "I'll just put it the mailbox....I figured he would get enough cookies!" 

All is calm and quiet on this day of rest.  Sometimes the weather is a 'God Sent' in that it gives us time to slow down and relish the season.  The only vehicle  I saw today was the big yellow truck salting the roads.  I put on my boots and  coat and stepped outdoors into the damp chilly air to snap a few photos.  Ice sculptures and icicles were everywhere. 

The hitching post at the "Amish Wal-mart" was parked full! Amish couples were purchasing books, dishes, cloth hankerchiefs and toys.  Large calendars lined the wall behind the cashier and were given to the families with a $70.00 purchase.  Stacks of smaller wall calendars (from gardens to tractors) were free for the taking. 

The rain and snow come down from heaven and does not return there, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud that it may give seed in the harvest and bread to the sower.     - copied -

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging!
Not only green when summer's here, But also When 'tis cold and clear.

   A well designed garden has interest and beauty in winter as well as summer!