Holmes County's Old Christmas observance highlights quiet Epiphany traditions

On Jan. 6 many Amish households across Holmes County observed Old Christmas, a low-key Epiphany celebration rooted in the older Julian calendar. The day remained centered on rest, prayer, reflection and family togetherness rather than the commercial trappings that surround Dec. 25, and many plain businesses shut their doors for the observance.

For families, the pattern of the day was familiar and unadorned. Traditions included fasting followed by a modest meal, simple gift-giving—typically modestly wrapped toys for children—and family games. The emphasis was on shared time and spiritual focus; congregational and household rhythms slowed so families could mark the season without the bustle of holiday commerce.

That quiet contrasts with the region's visible tourist and retail activity at other times of year. In Holmes County, where Amish enterprises contribute to the local economy, closures for Old Christmas affect shop hours, workshops and some local services. Visitors who arrive expecting the full retail experience may find storefronts and workshops closed or activity reduced as communities observe the day.

Old Christmas has roots in broader calendar history. The Julian calendar, used in Europe for centuries, placed Epiphany on what many communities still recognize as Jan. 6 under that older reckoning. The later adoption of the Gregorian calendar shifted dates and helped standardize the modern December 25 celebration for many Christians. Some Anabaptist groups, including a number of Amish communities in Holmes County, continue the January observance as a matter of tradition and religious emphasis—holding to older liturgical timing and to plain living that separates religious practice from commercial spectacle.

Locally, the observance serves multiple civic functions: it reinforces family networks that underpin community institutions, it sustains cultural continuity that draws interest from outside the county, and it signals to civic leaders and businesses the need for flexible scheduling around religious calendars that differ from mainstream expectations. For local planners and service providers, recognizing Old Christmas when setting event dates or arranging visits can reduce friction and demonstrate cultural sensitivity.

The takeaway? If you plan to visit or do business in Holmes County around Jan. 6, expect quieter roads, fewer open workshops, and an emphasis on family and faith rather than gift displays. Respecting that plain, reflective rhythm makes interactions smoother and honors a longstanding local tradition.